Background: Refugee displacement, driven by conflict, persecution and human rights violations, poses significant public health challenges. Displaced populations often face adverse living conditions, limited healthcare access and increased exposure to physical and mental health risks. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes current literature on the health impacts of refugee displacement. Sources were identified through a targeted search of peer-reviewed journals, international reports and organizational databases, focusing on global refugee health trends, risks and healthcare access barriers. Results: Refugees are disproportionately affected by communicable diseases, malnutrition and non-communicable conditions due to overcrowded shelters, disrupted preventive care and strained healthcare systems. Vulnerable groups, including women and children, face elevated risks related to reproductive health, child mortality and poor sanitation. Mental health disorders such as PTSD and depression are widespread, compounded by trauma and limited psychosocial support. Structural barriers-including language, discrimination and financial constraints-further restrict healthcare access. Conclusion: The health disparities faced by refugees require urgent, evidence-based responses from host countries, global health organizations and policymakers. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, ensuring cultural and linguistic inclusivity and integrating refugee needs into national health strategies are critical to achieving equitable health outcomes.
Alenezy et al. (Fri,) studied this question.