Background The burden of surgical disease in refugee and internally displaced person (IDP) populations has not been well defined. Populations fleeing conflict are mobile, limiting the effectiveness of traditional sampling methods. We employed novel sampling and survey techniques to conduct a population-based surgical needs assessment amongst IDPs in Kerenik, West Darfur, Sudan, over 4 weeks in 2008. Methods Satellite imagery was used to identify man-made structures. Ground teams were guided by GPS to randomly selected households. A newly created surgical needs survey was administered by surgeons to household members. One randomly selected individual answered demographic and medical history questions pertaining to themselves and first-degree blood relatives. All household members were offered a physical examination looking for surgical disease. Findings There were 780 study participants; 82% were IDPs. A history since displacement of surgical and potentially surgical conditions was reported in 38% of respondents and by 73% of respondents in first-degree blood relatives. Surgical histories included trauma (gunshots, stabbings, assaults) (5% respondents; 27% relatives), burns (6% respondents; 14% relatives), and obstetrical problems (5% female respondents; 11% relatives). 1485 individuals agreed to physical examinations. Untreated surgical and potentially surgical disease was identified in 25% of participants. Interpretation We identified and characterized a high burden of surgical and potentially surgical disease in an IDP population in West Darfur. Our study is unique in its direct assessment of a traumatized, mobile, vulnerable population. Health officials and agencies charged with the care of IDP and refugee populations should be aware of the high prevalence of surgical and potentially surgical conditions in these communities. This study adds to the growing body of evidence that investment in surgical resources may address a significant portion of the overall burden of disease in marginalized populations.

Study/Objective: The objective of this study is to clarify basic information about Syrian refugees who are living in Turkey and to share formal data about refugees' life conditions in Turkey. Background: Throughout history, migration is one of the most important problems of humanity. Particularly in some areas where people suffer from conflicts, violations, and lack of basic needs, this situation is more difficult. Since the beginning of the Syrian conflict in 2011, increasing number of refugees have come to Turkey for asylum. Most of them are children and women. Unfortunately, this dangerous voyage from Syria has ended up with not only social or economic problems, but also dramatic humanitarian needs. Methods: In this study, authors have conducted descriptive data analysis by viewing formal data from government authorities and scientific articles from the literature. Results: From the outset of the conflict, Turkey has followed an open door policy to refugees. Since that time, about 3-million people have come to Turkey and try to adopt a new life. Currently 300-thousand of the refugees have been living in 26 temporary protection centers (TPC) that were established in 10 different cities near the Syrian border. The protection centers have been managed by the Emergency Authority of Turkey. The other 2.7 million refugees have been living in different cities and regions in Turkey. Over 60% of the refugees consist of women and children. In the TPCs, some facilities such as accommodation, food, health, education, and other humanitarian needs are provided by the Emergency Management Authority of Turkey. About 311,000 thousand children continue their education, and 100,000 of the adult refugees have been educated by the Ministry of Education of Turkey. Conclusion: The coordination between international organizations and Turkey need to be enhanced to provide more effective facilities for refugees.