Addressing the Needs of Syrian and Iraqi Refugees in the Greater Blue Mountain Region: A Formative Assessment of Health and Community Services Needs

In the wake of recent global events, an increasing number of people have been forcibly displaced from their homes as a result of war, violence and human rights violations or for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular ethnic group. As a response to the global humanitarian crisis and ongoing conflict in Iraq and Syria, the Australian Government in 2015 committed to an intake of 12,000 humanitarian migrants[1] in addition to the humanitarian yearly intake. These Iraqi and Syrian refugee communities come with an extended background of war and displacement and it is imperative to understand their specific health needs and the impact of pre- and post-migration stressors on their mental health and well-being. It is possible that they may suffer from chronic health conditions, nutritional deficiencies and psychological problems. However, presently there is limited understanding of the growing health needs of these new refugees and the capacity of the system to adapt to their needs.[2] This research conducted a preliminary health needs assessment of the Iraqi and Syrian refugees living in the Nepean Blue Mountains region and assessed the services available to them. It focussed on understanding the (mental) health needs and priorities of the Iraqi and Syrian refugee communities and mapping these with the existing services to identify any gaps and challenges. Focus group discussions were conducted with the Iraqi and Syrian communities. Service providers who provide health, mental health, community and settlement services to migrants and refugees in the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network (NBMPHN) region were interviewed.