Title:
The Impact of Armed Conflict on Health in Al-Raqqah Governate, Syria
Authors:
Hoetjes, Maartje
Year:
2014
PAGE:
x, 51
Language:
En
Subject:
mHealth in Low-Resource Settings
Keywords:
Syria, Conflict and Health, Health Determinants, Vulnerable Groups, Complex Emergency, Al-Raqqah Governate, violence
Abstract:
Problem: The Syrian conflict can be described as one of the biggest humanitarian disasters of the 21st century. In this complex emergency with overwhelming needs and limitations posed by lack of resources, security constraints and restrictions, it is necessary for intervening medical actors to develop medical strategies that are based on a thorough understanding of this context, main medical needs and most vulnerable groups. Objective and methods: This thesis discusses the direct and indirect effect of the war on health-determinants and -outcomes and identifies the most vulnerable groups and important patterns in Al-Raqqah governate, Syria. An adjusted framework, based on the ‘conceptual framework on the impact of armed conflict on health’ from Guha-Sapir en van Panhuis (2002) is used to assess the impact of conflict on public health. Main findings, conclusion and recommendation: Medical data illustrates an increase in infectious diseases in addition to an important existing burden of non-communicable diseases, mental health and nutritional problems, with children under five years, pregnant and lactating women, elderly, internally displaced population and disabled becoming increasingly vulnerable in the current context. The medical landscape has changed and health seeking choices have become increasingly influenced by security, availability and affordability of services. The primary focus should be on finding ways to strengthen, support and expand the Primary Health Care (PHC). Mechanisms should be developed to support referrals to specialized health care in more stable areas in or outside Syria. Interventions require sustainable links within the community and demand strong collaboration between the different medical actors.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Country:
Syria
Region:
Middle East
Training:
Master in International Health
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2014 Hoetjes
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
ZML46IV7z0_20161026115429838.pdf