Health and Wellbeing of Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Health and Wellbeing of Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Refugees and Asylum Seekers are a diverse population and have a wide variety of health needs. Specific health and wellbeing challenges vary depending on the individual’s previous experiences and current circumstances. However, some of the key public health challenges in London include:
Mental Health Issues: Many refugees and asylum seekers have experienced traumatic events in their home countries or during their journey to the UK. They may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Access to mental health services, language barriers, and cultural differences can present significant challenges.
Infectious Diseases: Refugees and asylum seekers may come from regions with a high prevalence of infectious diseases that are uncommon in the UK. These may include tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and other communicable diseases. Proper screening, vaccination, and access to healthcare are important for identifying and treating such diseases.
Access to Healthcare: Some refugees and asylum seekers face barriers in accessing healthcare services. This can be due to language barriers, lack of familiarity with the healthcare system, or difficulties in navigating administrative processes. Limited resources and eligibility restrictions can also pose challenges.
Maternal, Child and Young People Health: Pregnant women, children and young people among refugee and asylum-seeking populations require specialized healthcare services. Ensuring access to antenatal care, safe delivery, immunisations, and child development support are crucial to safeguarding the health and well-being of mothers, children and young people.
Nutrition and Food Security: Inadequate access to nutritious food can lead to malnutrition and related health issues among refugees and asylum seekers. Limited financial resources, lack of familiarity with local food availability, and difficulties in obtaining culturally appropriate food can contribute to these challenges.
Sexual and Reproductive Health: Refugees and asylum seekers may have specific sexual and reproductive health needs. Access to contraception, family planning services, and reproductive health education is vital to ensure the well-being and autonomy of individuals in these communities.
Social Determinants of Health: Refugees and asylum seekers are often exposed to challenging social and environmental challenges in the UK. This includes housing instability, poverty, discrimination, and limited social support networks. These factors can have a significant impact on their overall health and well-being.
Efforts by local authorities, healthcare providers, and the voluntary and community sector in London are aimed at addressing these public health issues. However, the specific challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers can be complex and multifaceted, requiring a holistic and coordinated approach to ensure their health and well-being. Over the last couple of years new initiatives, such as the ADPH London Health and Wellbeing of Asylum Seekers and Refugees Community of Practice, have been set up reactively arising from a need to better support these complex populations.
ADPH London hosts the Health and Wellbeing of Asylum Seekers and Refugees Community of Practice which was initially set up in July 2022 in response to local partner requests to support conversations and share learning. The Community of Practice meets online monthly and aims to bring together public health professionals working to support the health and wellbeing of asylum seekers and refugees across London whilst ensuring that the safety and dignity of these populations are being met at all times.
Community of Practice Leads
- Rachel Flowers (Croydon Director of Public Health) and Lizzie Owen (Lead Public Health Strategist, London Borough of Newham) are the London Asylum Seekers & Refugees ADPH London Co-Leads.
- Joanne Wilson (Programme Lead, NHS London, Legacy and Health Equity Partnership) is a co-chair for the group.
- Chris Billington (Public Health Strategist, ADPH London) is the Community of Practice Coordinator.
If you would like to request to join the Community of Practice or find out more information, please contact office@adphlondon.org.uk.
- Useful links:
- World Health Organization (WHO) ‘Refugee and migrant health – Global’
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID)/ UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)- ‘Migrant health guide’
- OHID ‘NHS entitlements: migrant health guide’
- British Medical Association (BMA) – ‘Unique health challenges for refugees and asylum seekers – Refugee and asylum seeker patient health toolkit’
- Greater London Authority (GLA) – ‘Migrants and refugees’.