Summary:
Introduction: Over the last century, natural and manmade disasters have been
the leading cause of population displacement. Moreover, this displacement into
refugee camp is usually followed by high morbidity and mortality rates due to
infectious diseases.
Purpose: To pinpoint the health problems of displaced populations and record
the causes of epidemics of communicable diseases into refugee or IDP camps
throughout the past decade.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the standards of PRISMA
statement. Original articles, that described outbreak(s) of
infectious/communicable disease(s) that may cause epidemic(s) in refugee camp
settings, were retrieved from online databases from 8th to 11th of March 2014.
Conclusions: Further investigation of disease risk factors within the camps,
immediate organization of epidemiological surveillance systems, creation of
specialized vaccination programs, design of flexible humanitarian programs and
the respect of the local conditions when planning any intervention are
mandatory, as they can reduce outbreaks and smooth problems in public health.
Keywords:
Systematic review, Refugee camp, Epidemic, Communicable disease, Public health
