The Health Impacts of Internal Displacement

This chapter explores the key drivers of health outcomes for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the required health management responses needed in displacement settings. It first explores the health needs arising from internal displacement, focusing on the health risks related to key social determinants, which are grouped into four categories: health systems, displacement context, policy, and country context. It subsequently discusses the health impacts related to mortality and the burden of several health conditions, such as infectious and noncommunicable diseases and mental, sexual, and reproductive health. The chapter then discusses the required and current health sector responses to address IDP health needs, presenting a conceptual framework to guide the health system responses and addressing the underlying health risks. The role of IDPs in managing their health is also explored to show the importance of personal and group resilience in health management. Finally, three priority areas for future research are highlighted, consisting of IDP health policy, climate change and health, and research methodology.