All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
WHO supports countries hosting refugees from the Middle East
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
In response to the large influx of refugees into European countries, WHO supports countries that provide assistance to internally displaced persons.
The health organization supplies essential first aid supplies, assesses the capabilities of countries willing to provide assistance, trains personnel, and provides financial and material support.
The consequences of such a massive flow of people were discussed at a meeting in Lithuania. Officials from 53 countries asked the WHO not to stop providing assistance so that all countries could provide normal conditions for all those in need. As a result of the meeting, it was decided to hold a conference to develop an action plan for large-scale displacement to ensure public health protection.
Susanne Jakab, Head of the Regional Bureau, noted that with the increasing number of internally displaced persons, more and more countries are unable to ensure public health protection and it is very important to take urgent and effective actions today. Given the movement of refugees, it is important to coordinate the work of all countries, not just in Europe.
This year, more than 300,000 refugees have found refuge in Europe (excluding the 2 million who have received asylum in Turkey).
It is generally accepted that mass displacement contributes to the spread of infectious diseases, but despite this opinion, the WHO has not found any excess of the incidence threshold in countries hosting refugees.
The probability of dangerous infections typical for the Middle East region (Ebola, Lassa, coronavirus, etc.) getting into European countries is extremely low. It is worth noting that since 2012, cases of coronavirus have been recorded in Europe, but the disease was brought in by tourists or people traveling for business purposes.
Countries from which people flee en masse often have higher vaccination rates, so they have a low incidence rate. Now it is necessary to pay special attention to health protection, including protecting the population from infectious diseases with vaccines, providing first aid for injuries, providing necessary medical care to pregnant women and women in labor, children, people with chronic diseases and those requiring psychosocial assistance.
WHO has developed a set of recommendations for the health system that will help countries to develop an emergency response plan. WHO also tries to ensure that all countries have a full stock of medical supplies. For this purpose, special kits are purchased, including drugs from the main group and the necessary instruments.
In 2013, WHO opened a field office in Gaziantep, Turkey, to improve capacity to receive refugees and respond promptly to the emerging needs of people displaced by their homes. The needs of internally displaced people from Syria are being assessed, support is being provided to Syrian health workers, financial and technical assistance is being provided to reduce the risk of spread of diseases and conduct additional vaccinations of the population, medical equipment and medicines are being purchased, and awareness among refugees is being raised.