How the Syrian Refugee Crisis is a Global Health Concern for Canada Essay Example

requires both short-term and long-term solutions. Hence, it is essential to emphasize the significance of supporting psychological services and mental health while establishing community-based facilities that cater to their mental health needs (Jefee-Bahloul, H.).

(2015) The International Medical Corps (IMC) provides mental health services through community centers and clinics. They offer psychosocial care activities for both adults and children, while also focusing on training healthcare workers, volunteers, and psychosocial workers to deliver mental health services to Syrians and the host population.

Recently, IMC assessed the facilities and clinical data on neurological substance use and mental health issues at their health amenities in Syrian refugee camps as well as internally displaced populations in Syria, Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon. The findings show that many displaced Syrians currently live in under-resourced urban areas, shelters, and camps within or outside the country. Their access to basic healthcare, food, mental health services, shelter education, and other essential services is limited.

The prevalence of various conditions remains consistent throughout the region with severe mental disorders accounting for up to 54% of cases. Anxiety and depression are the most common conditions followed by epilepsy at 17%and psychotic disorders at 11%.

Among children, the most prevalent conditions are epilepsy, developmental and intellectual disorders, and severe mental disorders, accounting for 26.6%, 26.6%, and 3.6% respectively (Kistner et al., 2015). However, the availability of quality resources is limited in community-based, non-governmental, and governmental mental health systems due to overcapacity and a shortage of skilled professionals. Disparities in facilities between countries are also evident: Syria lacks early childhood development programs available in Canada, which raises concerns for Canada. In comparison to other countries, psychological health professionals in Syria do not

have access to non-pharmacological treatment options for mental disorders. Facilities are more easily accessible in camps and urban centers.

In Jordan, there are charges on Syrian immigrants for health amenities outside of campsites, forcing many Syrians to travel long distances to access unrestricted INGO-based amenities. The majority of immigrants are located in urban areas rather than camps, so there is a need to expand the availability of basic amenities to places where they are currently limited or unavailable. This can be accomplished by providing access to amenities through outreach efforts, such as supporting portable mental health squads. Additionally, there is a strong desire to allow Syrian and Arabic-speaking healthcare personnel to work with Syrian immigrants in Canadian nationwide health facilities. This would greatly benefit the Syrians and allow healthcare workers to continue practicing and honing their skills.

Additional French-Arabic and/or English-Arabic interpreters are needed at Canadian community infirmaries and other similar facilities. Organizations such as the World Health Organisation and International Medical Corps are already providing training on emotional health to healthcare personnel in many countries. However, there is a need to expand these efforts in urban centers in Syria and neighboring countries, including general healthcare hospitals. It is important that a specific percentage of national health funds be allocated to public mental health services as part of overall healthcare precautions. In Syria, the lack of academic psychology curriculums, licensure, and institutional oversight has resulted in a shortage of qualified psychologists. In Lebanon, mental health experts do not possess the necessary skills for providing effective shorter-term interventions that can help individuals facing conflicts and disasters.

Kirmayer, L. J. (2016) et al state that educational mental health curriculums in

Syria often remain hypothetical and as a result, obtaining licenses is difficult. In the entire region, there is a need to offer training, licensing, and supervision to psychological health professionals such as clinical social workers and psychologists. This training should include teaching effective and proven psychological interventions for populations affected by crises.

Developmental disorders such as intellectual disabilities are the primary challenges faced by immigrant children. However, essential services like inclusive education and educational recreational opportunities are often lacking in the country mentioned. Developmental illnesses have been emphasized in Jordan at a national level and in Turkey by the International Medical Corps (IMC).

The broad-spectrum health workforce and professionals who provide community-based services for children with developmental disorders and their families need to be further developed. According to Head K. & Ries, J. (1998), despite receiving $4.5 billion in charitable aid in 2012, the response does not meet the growing needs, and aid is expected to decrease in the future.

Mental health services in Canada are provided by non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and Syrian doctors trained and paid by INGOs under the supervision of Canadian medics. If funding is withdrawn, these services would cease. It is crucial to strengthen and support mental health regulations and organizations in Syria, particularly at this time and in host nations, by investing in local resources. Rather than creating separate structures that may not be sustainable, it is important for societies to work alongside government initiatives. Additionally, Syrians should be involved in public outreach and educated on basic psychosocial support skills, which will help them access official mental healthcare facilities. The overall quality, accessibility, and availability of mental health services for Syrians urgently need

improvement. Organizations and agencies should provide resources for the establishment of easily accessible and sustainable psychological health services, using the Syrian crisis as an opportunity to strengthen nationwide mental health structures.

They also need to enhance the native aptitude of Syrian and host country professionals and the public in order to build resilience and a sense of community. In addition, Syrians should be engaged in local projects that promote their expertise and involve Syrian specialists in providing mental health services through education and mentorship. Governments should strengthen their long-term planning, development, and evaluation of mental health strategies that recognize their importance to the overall health and productivity of the population.

References

1. Bidinger, S., Lang, A., Hites, D., Kuzmova, Y., Noureddine, E., Akram, S. M., ... & Kistner, T. (2015). Protecting Syrian Refugees: Laws, Policies, and Global Responsibility Sharing. Boston University School of Law https://www.bu.

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2. Head, K., & Ries, J. (1998). Immigration and trade creation: econometric evidence from Canada. Canadian journal of economics, 47-62.
3. Hansen, L., Maidment, L., & Ahmad, R.

(2016). Early observations on the health of Syrian refugees in Canada. Canada Communicable Disease Report, 42(S2), S8.

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