(Copyright: UNHCR)
This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Mahum Sohail, a 3rd year MBBS student affiliated with IFMSA-Pakistan and its Publications Division at one of the top ranking medical universities, i.e. King Edward Medical University in Pakistan. She is affiliated to the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.
Imagine a state of equilibrium. Now imagine the sudden onset of excess weight disturbing the equilibrium. This is the state of a country allowing immigrants on to their land.
To achieve equilibrium again, it requires counter weight to be added which is equivalent to aids given by the International community. This issue is as old as history and the solution is a shared burden by the world not a single entity.
Understanding the need for an International support to provide the refugees with proper accommodation and necessities of life while alleviating the burden of the host country, in 2018 United Nations validated the Global Compact on Refugees.
An initiative which would serve the purpose of:
- Allowing immigrants to live in a protected and healthy environment
- Training to be more self-sufficient
- Relieving the socioeconomic pressure on host country
- Assisting in improvement of conditions of the migrants’ country for their return
In my country Pakistan, time has been a witness of many an immigrants who have suffered from the lack of international aid.
In 1979, when Russia attacked Afghanistan, 16 lac Afghan immigrants took refuge in Pakistan putting Pakistan’s economy and stability at a great risk. Though the immigrants’ needs were met, lack of substantial foreign aid drastically affected both the immigrants and locals. Numerous health issues were born anew owing to the overcrowding.
We often talk about problems but seldom offer a solution. How do we resolve this health crisis in Pakistan?
Compact living and contaminated water reserves are one of the most common aggravating factors in a endemic.
To avoid such a situation, immigrants should be divided throughout the country keeping in mind the availability of space and resources. Furthermore, doctors from all over the world can contribute in assistance of healthcare of immigrants. Funds for medicines provided by the UN collected from all around the world given in accordance with needs. Establishment of transitory basic health units at several locations near the immigrants or providing residence near BHUs could be a beneficial step towards the target goal. Proper waste disposal decreases level of contamination.
Implementation of such measures will undoubtedly reduce the disease rate and elevate the lifestyle of refugees.
In conclusion, to achieve safe migration and accommodation of individuals and to ensure their return without harm requires a global effort.
About the author
Mahum Sohail is a 3rd year MBBS student affiliated with IFMSA-Pakistan and its Publications Division at one of the top ranking medical universities, i.e. King Edward Medical University in Pakistan. She is an avid reader of English and Urdu novels (the National language of Pakistan). She believes in the philosophy of life and living not breathing everyday.
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