Abstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are highly prevalent among refugees [1]. This is alarming, considering that many NCDs are key risk factors for severe COVID-19 infection, intersecting with migration-specific factors putting refugees at increased risk of infection and poor outcomes [2]. Prior to, during, and following migration, these populations are exposed to socioeconomic stressors including poor and overcrowded living conditions, limited access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, and linguistic, cultural, and legal barriers to accessing timely and appropriate care, negatively impacting on NCD development and control [2,3].
Highlights
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are highly prevalent among refugees [1]
Prior to, during, and following migration, these populations are exposed to socioeconomic stressors including poor and overcrowded living conditions, limited access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, and linguistic, cultural, and legal barriers to accessing timely and appropriate care, negatively impacting on NCD development and control [2,3]
Over 65% of such countries worldwide have not reported including NCD services in their response to COVID-19 [5]. The prolonged impact this has had on management of NCDs has exacerbated their health and economic burden, and made it more vital than ever to proactively tackle this syndemic [6]
Summary
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are highly prevalent among refugees [1]. This is alarming, considering that many NCDs are key risk factors for severe COVID-19 infection, intersecting with migration-specific factors putting refugees at increased risk of infection and poor outcomes [2]. The COVID-19 pandemic has added one more hardship to the care of NCDs by increasing the burden on overstretched health systems, reducing capacity to address NCDs, and disproportionately affecting those with previous health conditions, in low- and middle-income countries, where the majority of refugees reside [5].
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