In March of 2011, Syrian internal conflict broke out, resulting in the largest refugee crisis since World War II. This is just one of many incidents that have contributed to the rapidly increasing number of refugees globally.
As of 2017, approximately 65.6 million people are displaced worldwide, 22.5 million of which are registered refugees.
Refugee camps are almost always overcrowded; with their dismal conditions, poor sanitation and hygiene standards, communicable illnesses spread rampantly.
Airborne Illnesses such as influenza and tuberculosis have become one of the most decisive causes of deaths among refugees, due to their ability to be transmitted without direct human contact.
According to statistics previously released by WHO, “the most effective way to prevent [influenza] is vaccination”. During a discussion on the prevention of communicable illnesses in refugee camps, the representative of Argentina emphasized the “need to address medical treatment” and finding a way to provide vaccinations to refugees.
South Korea proposed that WHO take “immediate action” and focus on short term solutions such as “quarantine the infected communities” instead.
Thailand on the other hand believes that the main problem is overcrowding. Due to the high concentration of people, there is a shortage of resources such as water, and the unsanitary living conditions make refugee camps a breeding ground from bacteria and germs. As a solution, Thailand thinks refugees should be spread out and relocated to rural and undeveloped areas.
So far, these are the only solutions that have been brought up for discussion. However, screening refugees has also been hinted at. Previously, WHO has suggested stopping the rapid spread of highly contagious diseases in refugee camps by isolating those with severe illnesses and assisting the patients with appropriate treatment.
It should also be noted that in 2015 the United Nations Children's Fund, alongside the UNHCR, introduces the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene program which is said to have noticeably improved living conditions.
As of 2017, approximately 65.6 million people are displaced worldwide, 22.5 million of which are registered refugees.
Refugee camps are almost always overcrowded; with their dismal conditions, poor sanitation and hygiene standards, communicable illnesses spread rampantly.
Airborne Illnesses such as influenza and tuberculosis have become one of the most decisive causes of deaths among refugees, due to their ability to be transmitted without direct human contact.
According to statistics previously released by WHO, “the most effective way to prevent [influenza] is vaccination”. During a discussion on the prevention of communicable illnesses in refugee camps, the representative of Argentina emphasized the “need to address medical treatment” and finding a way to provide vaccinations to refugees.
South Korea proposed that WHO take “immediate action” and focus on short term solutions such as “quarantine the infected communities” instead.
Thailand on the other hand believes that the main problem is overcrowding. Due to the high concentration of people, there is a shortage of resources such as water, and the unsanitary living conditions make refugee camps a breeding ground from bacteria and germs. As a solution, Thailand thinks refugees should be spread out and relocated to rural and undeveloped areas.
So far, these are the only solutions that have been brought up for discussion. However, screening refugees has also been hinted at. Previously, WHO has suggested stopping the rapid spread of highly contagious diseases in refugee camps by isolating those with severe illnesses and assisting the patients with appropriate treatment.
It should also be noted that in 2015 the United Nations Children's Fund, alongside the UNHCR, introduces the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene program which is said to have noticeably improved living conditions.