Microbiome research potential for developing holistic approaches to improve refugee health

Abstract

Morbidity from disease is increasingly being understood as dependent on wellbeing of the ecosystem, as opposed to an isolated element. However, the combined burden of disequilibrium of the gut microbiome ecosystem -which can facilitate proliferation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) -is not well understood. The gap in knowledge grows when considering regions, such as the Gaza Strip, where the population continues to experience recurrent conflicts, movement restrictions, and high rates of poverty, food insecurity and unemployment. 1 The concurrent rise of gut microbiome disequilibrium, AMR proliferation, and displacement of populations globally -combined with lack of data -poses significant but unknown risk to public health, in displaced and host communities alike. Examining the current landscape of research, and existing gaps solidifies the need for interdisciplinary perspectives to address AMR through exploration of the gut microbiome. This holistic approach can help account for the political, socio-economic, and material factors, in the context of regions experiencing conflict/war. The growing role of microbiota in health may hold answers to questions surrounding understudied conditions such as AMR, and even non-communicable or chronic diseases.

Microbiome One Health model for a healthy ecosystem

“…Agricultural microbiome-based products could be essential for holistically improving plant health and enhancing crop productivity while controlling animal disease outbreaks and refining the nutrient process for humans. Work on microbiome-based applications will help fight malnutrition and gut dysbiosis of the increasingly displaced population because of climate change [ 54 ]. However, the successful transformation of food systems requires individuals who profoundly understand the complex interactions and interdependencies within the system.…”

Analyzing health of forcibly displaced communities through an integrated ecological lens

“…Though we have information on a higher, general level, we know few specifics about disease dynamics and the relationship of people and their environment in complex humanitarian emergencies. 10 Siloed approaches neglect the reality that all components of humanitarian management have important health considerations when utilizing an ecological lens. We therefore aim to understand the dynamic ecologies that connect vertically (i.e., from the microscale to the macroscale) and horizontally (between individuals, between environments, and between people and their environments) in forced displacement camps.…”

Analyzing Health of Forcibly Displaced Communities through an Integrated Ecological Lens

“…Though we have information on a higher, general level, we know few specifics about disease dynamics and the relationship of people and their environment in complex humanitarian emergencies. 10 Siloed approaches neglect the reality that all components of humanitarian management have important health considerations when using an ecological lens. We therefore aim to understand the dynamic ecologies that connect vertically (i.e., from the microscale to the macroscale) and horizontally (between individuals, between environments, and between people and their environments) in forced displacement camps.…”