Editorial: The Public Health Implications for the Refugee Population, Particularly in Poland, Due to the War in Ukraine

Abstract

On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation initiated a military invasion of Ukraine, resulting in a significant armed conflict in Europe. Large numbers of refugees and asylum-seekers have left Ukraine. As of March 29, more than 4 million refugees, including over 1.5 million children, have left Ukraine, while about 7 million individuals have become displaced within Ukraine. Most refugees have gone to bordering countries, with 60% coming to Poland. This large number of refugees in such a short time requires urgent public health measures to ensure their health and safety. Refugees to Poland must receive access to healthcare, social care, and education. Those who have chronic disease and malignancy must continue to receive treatment. Medical students’ continued education and training in their host countries should be prioritized to provide needed healthcare resources. Epidemiological disease surveillance and disease prevention are required at this time. The continuation of the current conflict in Ukraine also poses a potentially severe risk to the global environment and long-term food security. This editorial aims to highlight the public health implications for the refugee population, particularly in Poland, due to the current war in Ukraine.