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Iraq + 2 more

Health sector appeal - Meeting the health needs of Iraqis displaced in neighbouring countries: Joint appeal by UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP and WHO

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  1. Purpose

This joint interagency appeal to the international community seeks a total of US$ 84 852 332 to provide support to national efforts aimed at improving access to health care for displaced Iraqis living in Syria, Jordan and Egypt. The activities prioritized in the appeal are based on the Common Action Framework agreed upon during the Ministerial Consultation to Address the Urgent Needs of Displaced Iraqis, convened by WHO in Damascus on 29-30 July 2007.

The six issues identified in Damascus are:

i. Principle of equal access

ii. Priorities for access to health provision

iii. Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies

iv. Information and health and nutrition surveillance

v. Coordination

vi. Resource mobilization to address additional demands

The appeal is being issued jointly by UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, who acted as a coordinator of the process. The agencies have worked together to prepare a detailed plan that spells out the support they will provide to the respective national health authorities, Red Crescent Societies and other partners to address the urgent health needs of displaced Iraqis. The appeal does not cover the additional costs incurred by the national authorities in providing health care through their existing systems. WFP is part of the appeal but is not requesting funds.

2. Background

2.1 Numbers of displaced Iraqis in neighbouring countries

It is estimated that there are over two million Iraqis who have been displaced from their homes by the continuing violence and instability and are now living in neighbouring countries. This total includes around 1.5 million Iraqis in Syria, 750 000 in Jordan and up to 70 000 in Egypt. There are reports that indicate that the exodus is continuing at a rate of about 2000 people per day. This population movement is posing a growing strain on the already overstretched public services in the host countries. Ensuring that the urgent humanitarian needs of displaced Iraqis are being adequately met presents a major challenge to host governments, voluntary organizations and the international community.

The respective national authorities in Syria, Jordan and Egypt have estimated the numbers of Iraqis in their countries and identified primary areas of settlement as presented in table 1 (figures stated during the presentations delivered by partners during the Ministerial Consultation in Damascus 29-30 July 2007). Figures related to those who have registered with UNHCR or have applied to do so are not an estimation but an accurate account.

Table 1: Displaced Iraqis in neighbouring countries (1)

Country
No. of displaced Iraqis
(available estimates) (2)
Registered with
UNHCR or applied
to register
Main locations
Syria
1 500 000
205 000
Damascus, Rural
Damascus, Hasaka,
Deir Ezzor, Qunaitira
Jordan
750 000
45 000
Amman, Zarqaa, Irbid
Egypt
Up to 70 000
11 000
Cairo, Alexandria

While the exact number of the Iraqi refugees in Jordan and Syria is not known, it is estimated that most Iraqis have left Iraq during the last twelve months (June 2006 to mid 2007), as the security situation has deteriorated significantly.

2.2 Socio-economic conditions of Iraqis in neighbouring countries

Information about the socio-economic circumstances of displaced Iraqis is largely anecdotal or based on small and localized surveys, depending on the country. It is important to recognize that most Iraqis have settled in local communities, not in camps, although there are large concentrations in certain areas. They may either be living with families or renting their own accommodation, often in overcrowded conditions.

The majority of Iraqis in Syria face financial difficulties as a large proportion arrived without meaningful financial resources and most do not have employment. Their meagre assets are dwindling, affecting their purchasing power for food, accommodation and health care. Preliminary findings from the July 2007 Ministry of Health (MOH), UNICEF and WHO Rapid Assessment showed that 62% of household heads were unemployed, while 35.8% work in private jobs.

The assessment further indicates that 45.4% of Iraqi refugee families can be classified as poor or extremely poor, based on their family income. The study has also revealed that the majority of families (72%) live in shared accommodation with Syrian or Iraqi families. As the average family size is five persons, sharing accommodation with one or more families leads to overcrowding which increases the risk of the spread of infection, especially among vulnerable groups like the elderly and young children.

There is evidence of poverty and poor nutrition affecting health including a preliminary study by the MOH in Syria showing increased stunting and wasting among children under five.(3) The WFP rapid food needs assessment - conducted in early February 2007 in Syria - estimated that 15 % of those registering with UNHCR are unable to meet their expenses for more than three months from the date of arrival in Syria (there is no data available for the level of food insecurity of those not registered).

As its neighbour Syria, Jordan is not a signatory of the 1951 convention relating to the status of refugees - but both have welcomed the Iraqis in the country as guests. The lack of an internationally recognized status means that even the most basic quantitative information about Iraqis in Jordan is not available. Health assessments of Iraqis are being planned for the latter half of 2007.

UNHCR information on the socio-economic conditions of Iraqis in Jordan is based on field visits, information from partners, participatory assessments and localized small surveys.

There are indications that the socio-economic circumstances of Iraqis in Jordan are inadequate for the vast majority, who have no legal status, no employment and thus limited sources of income. This is compounded by the fact that for many, the savings and assets with which they initially arrived are already depleted or will be so soon.

Access to education for most Iraqi children in Jordan has been difficult until the start of the 2007 school year. In August 2007, the Jordanian government took the decision to allow all Iraqi children to attend public schools, regardless of their registration status. However, many Iraqi children have been out of school for over three years (in Jordan and in Iraq) and need special assistance to be able to rejoin the educational system.

Egypt is a signatory of the 1951 convention relating to the status of refugees. Based on UNHCR registration data, the average Iraqi family size in Egypt is four persons while 26% of households are headed by women. The profile is distinct in that the overwhelming majority are from Baghdad city (75%) and are middle class, including significant numbers of qualified professionals. Some 40% are children under 18 years of age and, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as reported in the media, 4800 Iraqi children are enrolled in schools, largely in private schools. As for the economic circumstances of Iraqis in Egypt, it may be important to add that a considerable number are continuing to receive remittances from Iraq, e.g. from properties or relatives. An estimated 20% are in need of support, because of lack of resources or special needs.

2.3 Health status

Information about the health status of Iraqis in neighbouring countries comes mainly from the Red Crescent Societies and UN agencies which have been supporting health services. There is currently no information about morbidity or usage of services based on national surveillance or health information systems because existing systems do not disaggregate data by nationality.

Preliminary results of a rapid assessment carried out by the MOH, UNICEF and WHO in Syria in July 2007 provided information on the health and nutritional status of displaced Iraqi children under five years of age and of women of childbearing age. In this rapid survey of a small sample of families, the immunization coverage among children under five was 89% for diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) and Haemophilus influenzae type B (third dose); 82% for measles, and 81% for Hepatitis B3. The prevalence rates of diarrhoea (in last two weeks), cough and fever were 8.3%, 8.2% and 12.1%, respectively; 21.2% of children were reported to be mildly/moderately stunted, while 10.8% were severely stunted (chronic malnutrition).

UNHCR registration statistics as of August 2007 show that 19% of those registering in Syria report having a significant medical condition. Furthermore, many of the displaced Iraqis have been exposed to terrifying experiences of terror and violence, and approximately 22% of Iraqis who have registered with UNHCR have reported experiencing personal traumatic events. The mental and psychosocial distress have been further aggravated by the increasing financial difficulties, unemployment, different living environment, and an uncertain future, resulting in psychological fragility, distress and in some cases trauma.

The Jordanian MOH reports increased rates of hospital admissions, visits to specialized clinics and surgical operations. They also state that Iraqis currently represent a major proportion of TB cases in non-Jordanian patients (25 % annually). The overall health status of Iraqis in Jordan remains practically unknown at this time as the findings of the recent FAFO study are not yet available and information from government health centres does not differentiate between Iraqi and Jordanian patients.

In Egypt, the MOH reports a disease and patient profile of costly specialized secondary care referrals, dominated by diabetes, cardiovascular and hypertensive disorders, psychiatric illnesses, allergic respiratory diseases, and rheumatic diseases. Infections such as hepatitis B and C and mycobacterial infections such as tuberculosis were the leading causes for consultation for communicable diseases in the first half of 2007.

Map: Health Implications of the influx of displaced persons from Iraq

Notes:

(1) See Annex I for explanation of UNHCR's summary of other countries not mentioned in this appeal together with a budget.

(2) Presentation by Syrian, Jordanian, and Egyptian MOH, High Level Ministerial Consultation to address urgent Health Care Needs of Iraqis in Neighbouring countries, Damascus 29-30 July 2007.

(3) Field work done in July 2007. Report Sept 2007