Integrating refugees into national health systems amid political and economic constraints in the EMR: Approaches from Lebanon and Jordan

Healthcare system responses to non-communicable diseases’ needs of Syrian refugees: The cases of Jordan and Lebanon

“…The eligibility of Syrian refugees to access national health systems was perceived as a successful approach in the refugee response. Yet as reported in the literature, ongoing challenges in both contexts such as the multiplicity of health system actors and increasing out of pocket payments highlight the need for continued efforts for improved integration of refugee communities ( Saleh et al., 2022 ). In fact, strengthening existing national health systems and striving for universal health coverage for both nationals of host countries and refugees would facilitate health system resilience as well as improved health outcomes and efficiencies via early access to preventive and curative services ( World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, 2019 ).…”

Political Economy of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) prevention and control in Lebanon: identifying challenges and opportunities for policy change and care provision reforms

“…Moreover, NCD diagnosis and management are not always optimal, with evidence of gaps in hypertension and diabetes control at national levels [ 12 , 13 ], as well as in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic respiratory diseases [ 14 , 15 ]. Vulnerable groups, such as Syrian and Palestinian refugees experience more challenges in relation to NCD care [ 16 – 19 ], due to issues of integration of refugees within the national health system [ 20 ].…”

Political economy of health in fragile and conflict-affected regions in the Middle East and North Africa region

“…This dynamic is amplified by the fact that many of the host countries have rather fragile health systems that were not able to accommodate significant surge demands on their infrastructure. According to Saleh et al, fragmented health care systems and high out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure on health are two examples of the challenges that face many of the health systems in the region [ 7 ]. In Lebanon, there is an unregulated dominance of the private sectors in providing and financing health care services that are targeted, hence different services are provided to each social group.…”

“…Additionally, Jordan struggles with limited financing in the health care system making it difficult to provide equitable services. Protracted episodes of conflict, political, and economic instability have further disrupted the health system in many states in the MENA [ 7 ]. International organizations, such as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), play an important role in attempting to provide adequate health care services in fragile and conflict-affected regions in the MENA where health care systems are ruled by political and economic instability, resulting in weakened systems.…”