Providing health care for refugee children and unaccompanied minors

The health of refugee children must be considered beyond ensuring access to health care to include issues such as housing and education. Refugees require support in using services, and their culture and religious background must be taken into account. Asylum seeking children have the same rights to health as any other children, yet non‐eligibility for welfare foods may have implications for their nutrition. Providing for 15–18 year olds presents particular problems. It is important to arrange access to appropriate care for unfamiliar diseases and to recognize emotional health problems, particularly when they are related to past experiences of violence.

Key Words:

• Child health
• Emotional health
• Health care
• Nutrition
• Refugees

Notes

Based on a presentation to Medact's Seminar, Improving Refugee Health, King's Fund, 24 October 2000.