Complex humanitarian emergencies: A major global health challenge

Abstract

Complex humanitarian emergencies have been a major political, security and public health feature of the post‐Cold War world. These man‐made disasters account for more morbidity and mortality than all natural and technological disasters combined. In order to deliver effective aid during complex humanitarian emergencies, international relief agencies must have a solid understanding of the political and social climates in which they are operating. In addition, they should base their health interventions on objective epidemiological data, especially standardized rates of morbidity and mortality. Most deaths during complex humanitarian emergencies are due to preventable causes, especially increased rates of infectious diseases malnutrition and violent trauma. The most appropriate health interventions are therefore based on the models of public health and primary health care, emphasizing disease prevention and health promotion. The field of humanitarian assistance has become increasingly professionalized in recent years, with its own professional standards, literature, research agenda and training opportunities. It is an unfortunate reflection on the current state of international affairs that the number of complex humanitarian emergencies and the enormous levels of suffering associated with them are unlikely to decline in the foreseeable future. See Commentary, page 143.

Simple Spectacles for Adult Refugees on the Thailand–Burma Border

“…8 -15 Worldwide, there are currently approximately 35 million refugees and displaced persons. 16 These populations typically face increased risks of mortality and morbidity from a variety of causes, 17,18 have increased risks for blindness and vision impairment, 19 and most of these populations lack eye care. 20 The spectacle distribution program described in this article provides a model that may be useful not only in refugee camps, but also in other contexts.…”

Developing a Relative Ranking of Social Vulnerability of Governorates of Yemen to Humanitarian Crisis

“…Lack of adequate drinking water has been cited as a contributing factor for most of the mortality during humanitarian emergencies [55]. The current humanitarian emergency in Yemen due to the bombing by the coalition forces and internal armed clashes has seen water trucking collapse due to a lack of fuel, with hospitals and health centers without running water.…”

“…Compared to other Middle Eastern countries, such as Iraq, Jordan, Oman and Syrian Arab Republic, using 2003 to 2012 data, Yemen has the highest infant and under five mortality in the region [56]. Child mortality is highest in humanitarian emergencies due to poor care, lack of adequate nutrition, dehydration, diarrheal and water borne diseases [55,57]. The under-five mortality, child mortality, and diarrheal infections loaded positively on this factor.…”

Is palliative care cost-effective in low-income and middle-income countries? A mixed-methods systematic review

“…At the same time, in many low-income and middle-income countries, there continues to be a high burden associated with communicable disease (eg, HIV, tuberculosis) 4. In addition, complex humanitarian emergencies, including war and displaced populations, are occurring with increasing frequency and scale and present their own challenges for palliative care (PC) delivery 5. As a result, there is a great need to expand delivery of health services in these locations, in order to provide care for all stages of chronic and life-threatening disease.…”