Summer 2012: The Socio-Political Influences on Health in the Buduburam Refugee Camp

By Gian Grant, Dr. Elizabeth Holzer

The United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR) recognizes that there are approximately 2.7 million refugees in the world. The UNHCR often coordinates with non-governmental organizations and asylum countries to provide refugees with services such as health care until a permanent residential situation is agreed upon. This research focused on the direct or indirect social and political influences on refugee healthcare and health. In addition, this research discussed the interactions between refugees, the UNHCR, and host governments or organizations. This was accomplished by providing a case study based on analysis of documents, transcripts, and photos that Dr. Elizabeth Holzer collected between 2006 and 2008 in the Buduburam Refugee camp located in Accra, Ghana.

 

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