Conflict, war and the resultant displacement of populations increase risk for infectious disease transmission. Forced migration, loss of safe shelter, loss of livelihood and interrupted access to clean water, electricity and healthcare all lead to increases in epidemic risk. Refugees and displaced people are uniquely vulnerable to COVID-19. The chaos of war and its aftermath override the population health education messages to wear a mask, socially distance and wash hands frequently.
Risk of COVID-19 transmission is heightened for people living in densely populated community spaces and overcrowded shelters, particularly for those with inadequate access to clean running water, soap and appropriate sanitation and hygiene facilities. Such circumstances make it challenging to physically distance and maintain proper hand hygiene. Overwhelmed healthcare systems and fragile capacities for social services further contributes to group-specific vulnerabilities of refugees and displaced people. World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have…