Before the armed conflict, Syria was burdened with communicable and non-communicable diseases. In September 2015, Australia agreed to settle 12,000 Syrian and Iraqi refugees and the existing humanitarian intake 13,750 in 2016. In South Australia, there is a refugee health service that supports the new arrivals and their health issues, including the following

As stated, approximately 5% of Syria have chronic hepatitis (HBV), which usually is asymptomatic but can follow to be a severe advanced liver disease or liver cancer. A comprehensive health assessment was completed for people from refugee-like backgrounds, and a hep-B serology was undertaken, showing 455 Syrian new arrivals had chronic hep-B.

One treatment available to refugees from Syria who have tested positive for chronic hepatitis B is a physical examination to look for symptoms or signs of chronic liver disease.  

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for bone and muscle health. According to the refugee guidelines, vitamin D deficiency is a significant issue for refugee populations in Australia. On arrival, a health assessment was done, resulting in 49% of females and 51% of males with Syrian backgrounds in Australia being screened for micronutrients and vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin D. Some refugee populations wear clothing coverings due to insufficient sunlight.

One treatment available to those with vitamin D deficiency is to restore their levels by being treated with daily dosing of vitamin D. 

Mental health is the experience of trauma, conflict, family separation, torture and physical and sexual violence, which many adults and children with a refugee background can experience. 178 Syrian new arrivals underwent a health assessment, and 26.9% reported symptoms of mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, due to post-arrival stressors such as job-seeking, English-language classes and caring for their family.

One treatment available is a referral to a mental health service for ongoing treatment. 

COVID-19 has also affected migrant and refugee populations, including asylum seekers in Australia who have experienced significant social, economic, physical and mental health issues associated with COVID-19 (O’Mara et al., 2021) due to the Australian government making changes to Medicare legislation, health insurance scheme to subsidize access to medical care and advice via telehealth. The refugee and migrant populations were excluded from those changes, resulting in mental health conditions and a severe risk to their safety, including suicide and self-harm (O’Mara et al., 2021).