How does being a refugee actually affect a child’s health? I’ll take, for example, Sudan, which is facing the largest displacement PG crisis, impacting millions, several millions. You’re looking at crowded conditions which increase the spread of disease, which we have actually already seen in Gaza with the appearance of polio. But you’re also looking at a child’s immune system being impacted because not only do they have less access to healthcare resources, preventable resources like vaccinations, but also their immune system is being taxed in a way where they’re not getting the adequate chloric needs or sleep needs. Data shows that all of this can have a chronic adverse impact on an immune system due to the dehydration, exhaustion and malnutrition.
Obviously, force displacement is also removing a child from their safe, secure, nurturing relationships and environment that they grew up in and are familiar with. Constantly taking away a sense of comfort, which is going to cause emotional trauma as well. Many essential supplies are available to families at healthcare facilities, but these very healthcare facilities are being impacted. In fact, in Sudan alone, up to 80 to 90% of MSF’s healthcare facilities have been shut down simply because they’ve come under attack or are not safe. We also know in areas like Gaza, resources are not reaching the people who need them. No one should be forced to flee at home. No one should suffer from preventable diseases. If you’d like to learn more about how you can help children who are in need, especially refugee children who have lost all healthcare resources that they are entitled to and deserve visit shot at life to learn how you can support them.