1. IMC’s Experience in the Middle East Crisis
From Relief to Self-Reliance
NCDs in Emergencies
IMC’s Experience in the Middle East Crisis
Dr Kweku Ackom
LSHTM September 2016
All content in this document is the property of International Medical Corps and should not be reproduced without prior written consent. This material is protected by copyright. ©2012 International Medical Corps. Materials may not be reproduced without International Medical Corps’ prior written consent.

2. Core Areas of Work

3. Continuation… Integrated Prog… Strengthen systems & capacities…
Maternal, Newborn and Child Health
Primary and Secondary Health Care
Adolescent Health
Disease Control; CDs and NCDs
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
Gender Based Violence
Mental Health & Psychosocial Support
Nutrition, Food Security and Livelihoods
Strengthen systems & capacities…
Service delivery; community-based care / PHC, SHC
Response to (humanitarian) Emergencies
Pre-service training: Nursing and Midwifery education
In-service training: CME, On-the-job training
Mentoring and supportive supervision
Support other components of the health system

4. Syria Crisis; Overview (UN, 2016)

5. 4 Main NCDs in the ME Region
Cardiovascular diseases; Chronic respiratory diseases; Diabetes and Cancers
1.7 million people die yearly in the region (from the above 4)
Projected to reach 2.4M in 2025 if urgent action is not taken Cardiovascular diseases account for about 54% from NCDs in the region
43 million people have diabetes; highest prevalence in the world.
Source: WHO, 2016

6. International Medical Corps’ Response
Health Facilities…(HCs, FHs, MMUs)
Syria: 10 HFs
Jordan: 34
Iraq: 18
Turkey: 8
Lebanon: 25
Key Areas…
PHC, SHC MCH, SRH
Trauma care, emergency medicine
MHPSS, CP, GBV,
Nutrition
Community engagement for healthy lifestyle choices

7. Data Overview

8. Top NCDs…

10. Lebanon MMU

11. Turkey Health Facilities

12. PHC Pharmacy – Syria

13. Some Challenges
Impact on the healthcare infrastructure of host nations; Jordan withdrew free care of NCDs for refugees
In Lebanon, a largely privatized healthcare system means that almost 15% of refugees were unable to pay for treatment, despite three quarters of healthcare costs being covered by UNHCR.
Multiple protocols / guidelines

14. Continuation…
Poor integration of NCD services at the primary level of care
Insufficient MHPSS services
Inconsistent supply of medicines
Tension between host communities and refugees on subsidized medicines for the latter
People prefer medication to lifestyle change
Continuity of care…

15. Some Suggestions
NCD’s Service package for refugees / IDPs in the region including essential medicines list
Integration of NCD services at primary level
Standardised protocols / guidelines
Standardised training package
Support national health systems
Don’t forget host communities
Coordinated NCDs action plan targeting People of Concern in the region

16. Thank you!