Pakistan remains one of the world’s largest refugee-hosting nations, accommodating 1.3 million registered refugees, predominantly Afghans (99%). Health is a critical aspect of refugees’ lives, yet their health data is managed through a separate Refugee Health Information System across 54 Afghan refugee villages, overseen by the Department of Health. This system is not integrated with Pakistan’s national health information system, highlighting a significant gap in reliable health data essential for evidence-based decision-making and ensuring health equity for Afghan refugees. The study aims to assess disparities in health status and healthcare access between Afghan refugees and permanent Pakistani residents using the World Health Organization’s Global Reference List 2018 of 100 Core Health Indicators. A population-based cross-sectional analysis was conducted using 2021 data from 960 Afghan refugees and 20,430 Pakistani residents. The study focused on essential health service coverage indicators, particularly malaria and fundamental healthcare services. Disparities were measured through cross-tabulations, crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and stratifications by age and sex. Findings reveal significant differences in health status and healthcare access between Afghan refugees and Pakistani residents. Crude ORs indicate substantial disparities in malaria and essential health service coverage. Additionally, age and sex stratifications demonstrate varying degrees of inequalities across different demographic groups within both populations. The study underscores the urgent need to address healthcare discrepancies faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan. The findings advocate for evidence-based policy interventions to reduce health disparities and promote equitable healthcare access.

Authors:
Saeed Ahmad, Tampere University, Finland
Fahmeeda Idrees, Tampere University, Finland

About the Presenter(s)
Saeed Ahmad is currently a doctoral researcher in Epidemiology and Public Health at Tampere University, Finland. His research focuses on global health security and health system strengthening in low- and middle-income countries.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-saeed-ahmad-1b2b1a17b

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