Training refugees as primary health care workers: Past imperfect, future conditional

Abstract

Many problems have been encountered in the planning and implementation of health care in refugee camps, and more specifically in the training of refugees as primary health care workers. A review of the published literature and a "survey" of the opinions and experiences of refugee, national and international health personnel regarding training has therefore been undertaken to provide an overview of what has been done and to make recommendations for future work. The review highlights the need to reallocate resources away from high visibility emergency aid to development activities, such as training, that will create an infrastructure for primary health care and promote self-reliance.

Tuberculosis in a Refugee Camp: A campaign to reduce transmission

“…It was the first "preventive campaign" carried out by healthworkers whose training had been largely clinical during the first emergency phase (a situation often found in a refugee context: Simmons et al, 1985). It was the first "preventive campaign" carried out by healthworkers whose training had been largely clinical during the first emergency phase (a situation often found in a refugee context: Simmons et al, 1985).…”

“…Beyond the three cases actually detected, the "cough survey" had some useful outcomes. It was the first "preventive campaign" carried out by healthworkers whose training had been largely clinical during the first emergency phase (a situation often found in a refugee context: Simmons et al, 1985). The survey thus constituted an excellent means to introduce health workers to the concept that a disease has a "cycle" that can be interrupted, resulting in a decrease of cases.…”

Evaluative Research in a Refugee Camp: The Effectiveness of Community Health Workers in Khao I Dang Holding Center, Thailand

“…This impression is supported by the virtual absence of literature specific to evaluations in a refugee context. Simmonds, Cutts and Dick (1985) have remarked on the scanty literature available on the subject of refugee health worker selection and training, and the importance of further researching this essential part of refugee relief. Particular attention was given to the impact of refugee Community Health Workers (CHWs) in the camp.…”

“…Particular attention was given to the impact of refugee Community Health Workers (CHWs) in the camp. Simmonds, Cutts and Dick (1985) have remarked on the scanty literature available on the subject of refugee health worker selection and training, and the importance of further researching this essential part of refugee relief.…”

Prática médica e imigração: o caso dos refugiados sírios na cidade de São Paulo

“…Tal recomendação inspiravase na ideia de que esta seria a abordagem mais eficaz para resolver os problemas de saúde dos países em desenvolvimento, com foco em seus cinco princípios: distribuição equitativa; envolvimento da comunidade; foco na prevenção; tecnologia apropriada; abordagem multissetorial (Walt, Vaughan, 1981, 1982a, 1982b. Sobretudo como alternativa às intervenções curativas e emergências, que se tornavam onerosas frentes as novas demandas de assistência nos campos de refugiados, que "cronificavam-se" 263 (Dick, Simmonds, 1983, Simmonds, Shears, 1984Steketee, Mulholland, 1982;Dick, Simmonds, 1985).…”