Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Associate Professor, Department of General Anesthesia, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
2
Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3
Professor, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4
Assistant Professor, Islamic Azad University, Shahre Ray, Ph.D. in Defense and National Security, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background and Aim: Rapid health assessment of war refugees is mandatory for optimal planning and effective delivery of public health services. Data collection is essential.
Methods: We sought to assess:
A: Information on demography, mortality, nutritional status, provision of drinking water, environmental conditions, hand washing facilities, immunization status, special needs of vulnerable groups such as children, patients, pregnant women and the elderly.
B: Information on shelter site planning, weather forecast, energy resources, threatening incidents, and seasonal epidemics.
C: Health Information System (HIS) designed to plan for control of diarrhea and epidemics, assess the required human resources, mobilize the Volunteer health personnel and train them before providing service, and Coordination of operations in different sectors.
Results: The most effective measures to prevent mortality and reduce morbidity were: Protection from violence, mass vaccination against measles, ample food supplies; special nutritional rehabilitation programs, safe water supply, and sanitation; prevention and control of diarrhea, communicable diseases and potential epidemics, and provision of maternal and child healthcare programs.
Conclusion: Rapid health assessment of war refugees is necessary for optimal planning and effective delivery of public health services.
Keywords