NCDs

NCDs, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease, are collectively responsible for almost 70% of all deaths worldwide with the greatest number of premature deaths from NCDs (some 85% of the total) occurring in low- and middle-income countries, which include some of the poorest nations in the world (Global health estimates). Many of these countries host high number of refuges and migrants. The rise of NCDs has been driven primarily by four major risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets. Throughout the migration and displacement process, refugees and migrants face conditions that affect their exposure and vulnerability to NCD risk factors. At their countries of origin, refugees and migrants often face poverty, political conflict and limited access to health care, which increase their vulnerability to NCDs. The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a harsh light on the vulnerability of people living with NCDs, who have a higher risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19. To reduce the impact of COVID-19 and future pandemics, countries must address the underlying risks to health that have left people more vulnerable and will leave countries more prone to future pandemics.

Mental health

Refugees and migrants can be exposed to various stress factors that affect their mental health and well-being before and during their migration journey and during their settlement and integration. The prevalence of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as psychosis, tends to be higher among refugees and migrants exposed to adversity than among host populations. Many refugees and migrants lack access to mental health services or experience barriers in accessing these. They also face disruptions in continuity of care. The mental health needs of refugees and migrants should be addressed by organizing inclusive and accessible promotion and prevention programmes; strengthening mental health as part of general health services; and ensuring timely diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.