Health Reform in Refugee Camps

There are many health risks facing those in refugee camps such as spread of disease, water shortage, and food scarcity For these refugees, who have either lost their homes or have been displaced due to conflict, the last thing they need is to catch a disease that can claim their lives. The lack of adequate medical care and funding in camps is brutally evident in Haiti. Thousands of refugees are living in camps where deadly diseases, such as cholera, are spreading. If health facilities and procedures were reformed in these camps, the quality of life for refugees would be significantly better. As time and technology have progressed, so have the resources available in the camps. However, every scenario proves to have different obstacles based on location and situation. For example, in areas where Malaria is prevalent, test strips have been developed to properly diagnose patients. In the past, patients would have to travel far distances to be able to test their blood for the disease. With these new test strips, they can be diagnosed and treated faster with a higher success rate. These kinds of reforms are what will be needed to take on obstacles in the future.

Health centers in refugee camps need to be outfitted with an ample amount of supplies and professionals in order to keep refugees healthy. Since the biggest refugee health risk factors of disease, food, and water, have been discovered, people are aware of what is needed in these health centers. Need will vary based on region and climate, and who takes responsibility, agency, organization, or nation, will have to be decided.