Neglected and Unscreened- Rising Burden of Hepatitis in Refugee Settings and Internally Displaced Populations

Abstract

Large scale, often protracted outbreaks caused by Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) infection in refugee and internally displaced person (IDP) settlements and camps have occurred, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, South-East Asia, the Middle East and parts of Central America. HEV is a common etiology of viral hepatitis worldwide. This paper is an amalgamation of two very important aspects of human life, since, the paper focuses on the medical challenge posed by hepatitis-E to displaced populations and refugees. This concern has emerged from the several conflicts in the world mentioned in different WHO reports. Some of the conflicts where refugees faced medical negligence
in Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq and Syrian Arab Republic. Hepatitis, otherwise known as a silent killer becomes even more difficult to handle in case of refugees and IDPs since, the situation might not provide for any facility or resources and the population is truly weak and vulnerable on all standards. This paper is an attempt to highlight the innovative approaches that doctors may use to unburden the refugees and IDPs of Hepatitis.