Oral Health as a Refugee Health Right
Date
2023-07-25
Authors
Elham Kateeb
Hyewon Lee
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Abstract
The global forced displacement crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with millions of individuals being uprooted from their homes due to various factors such as persecution, armed conflict, and natural disasters.1 Amongst these displaced populations, refugees represent a particularly vulnerable and marginalised group, often facing significant barriers in accessing health care, including oral health services. The delivery of health interventions in conflict settings is often hindered by numerous challenges, including limited resources, population displacement, and a shortage of skilled health care professionals.2 Here, we highlight the urgent need to prioritise and promote oral health for refugees, especially refugee women and children, and call upon policymakers, health care providers, and related organisations to integrate oral health into existing and future primary health care systems for refugees.