top of page

Introduction/Overview


Health Services for Refugees and Displaced Persons encompass comprehensive health programs designed to meet the physical and mental health needs of refugees and displaced individuals. These services include primary healthcare, maternal and child health programs, mental health care, psychosocial support, and preventive health education. In refugee contexts, access to healthcare is critical for ensuring the well-being, resilience, and survival of individuals who often face poor living conditions, limited medical facilities, and high levels of trauma.


At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we prioritize the health and well-being of refugees by providing access to integrated healthcare services through collaborations with local health organizations, governments, and international health bodies. Our programs address the full spectrum of health needs, from primary care and mental health to maternal and child health services, ensuring that refugees receive timely, quality care and support.


Key international frameworks and instruments supporting healthcare initiatives for refugees include:


A Vision for Comprehensive Health Services in Refugee Communities


At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), our vision is to ensure that every refugee and displaced person has access to comprehensive healthcare services that address both their physical and mental health needs. We aim to improve the overall health and well-being of refugees through quality care, early interventions, and preventive measures.


By collaborating with healthcare organizations, governments, and international bodies, we deliver holistic health services that promote the dignity, health, and resilience of refugee populations.


Our approach emphasizes the importance of integrating mental health services with primary healthcare, ensuring that refugees receive both medical care and the psychosocial support needed to cope with the stress and trauma of displacement. We also focus on maternal and child health programs to address the unique health challenges faced by women and children in refugee settings.


How We Deliver This Vision: Comprehensive Health Services for Refugees


RefPIC’s health services are designed to meet the diverse healthcare needs of refugees through a combination of primary care, mental health services, maternal and child health programs, and preventive healthcare initiatives. By collaborating with health organizations and leveraging our partnerships, we deliver effective and culturally appropriate healthcare services to refugee communities.


Key components of our Health Services for Refugees and Displaced Persons include:


  • Primary Health Care: RefPIC provides access to essential primary health services for refugees, including medical consultations, vaccinations, and treatment for common illnesses. Our primary care programs ensure that refugees receive timely healthcare services to prevent and manage diseases.


  • Mental Health Care: Mental health is a critical aspect of refugee well-being. We offer mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and trauma-informed care to help refugees cope with the psychological effects of displacement and trauma.


  • Maternal and Child Health Programs: RefPIC provides maternal and child health services that include prenatal and postnatal care, nutrition programs, and immunizations to ensure the health and well-being of mothers and children in refugee communities.


  • Psychosocial Support: Our psychosocial support services offer counseling and community-based interventions to promote emotional well-being, helping refugees address the stress, trauma, and challenges they face in displacement.


  • Health Education and Preventive Services: RefPIC conducts health education programs to raise awareness about hygiene, disease prevention, and health-seeking behaviors, empowering refugees to protect their own health and that of their communities.


Why Health Services for Refugees Matter


Access to quality healthcare is essential for the survival and well-being of refugees, who often face significant barriers to medical services due to conflict, displacement, and limited resources. Without access to primary healthcare, refugees are vulnerable to preventable illnesses, malnutrition, and untreated medical conditions. Similarly, mental health issues, including trauma, depression, and anxiety, are common among displaced populations and require targeted interventions to ensure psychological well-being.


RefPIC’s healthcare initiatives play a vital role in addressing these challenges by providing refugees with comprehensive health services that improve their physical and mental health. Our focus on preventive healthcare, maternal and child health, and mental health care ensures that refugees receive the support they need to rebuild their lives, stay healthy, and thrive in new environments.


Looking Ahead: Expanding Health Services for Refugees


As global displacement continues to rise, the need for accessible, comprehensive healthcare services for refugees is more critical than ever. RefPIC is committed to expanding its healthcare programs by increasing access to medical care, mental health services, and maternal and child health programs for refugees around the world. Our goal is to improve the overall health outcomes of refugee populations while promoting long-term resilience and well-being.


By partnering with international organizations, local healthcare providers, and governments, we aim to deliver health services that are inclusive, sustainable, and tailored to the specific needs of refugees. Our Triple Nexus Approach—integrating humanitarian aid, development, and health promotion—ensures that our healthcare services contribute to long-term health outcomes and resilience for displaced communities.


What We Aim to Achieve


Our primary goals in providing health services for refugees include:


  • Providing Primary Healthcare: Ensure that refugees have access to essential medical services, including treatment for common illnesses, vaccinations, and health screenings.


  • Supporting Mental Health: Deliver mental health services that address the psychological impacts of displacement, including counseling, therapy, and trauma-informed care.


  • Improving Maternal and Child Health: Provide comprehensive maternal and child health programs that ensure safe pregnancies, healthy deliveries, and proper nutrition for mothers and children.


  • Promoting Psychosocial Well-being: Offer psychosocial support services to help refugees manage stress, trauma, and mental health challenges in displacement settings.


  • Fostering Health Education and Prevention: Conduct health education programs to raise awareness about disease prevention, hygiene, and health-seeking behaviors in refugee communities.


How We Deliver Impact


  • Primary Health Care: RefPIC partners with local healthcare providers to offer essential medical services, ensuring that refugees receive timely and effective healthcare.


  • Mental Health Care: We provide counseling, therapy, and mental health support to refugees experiencing trauma, depression, and anxiety due to displacement.


  • Maternal and Child Health: RefPIC delivers prenatal and postnatal care, nutrition programs, and immunizations to support the health of mothers and children in refugee camps and settlements.


  • Psychosocial Support: We offer community-based psychosocial interventions that help refugees build emotional resilience and improve mental health outcomes.


  • Preventive Health Education: RefPIC conducts health education campaigns to promote hygiene, disease prevention, and healthy behaviors, empowering refugees to protect their own health.


Who Benefits


  • Refugees and Displaced Persons: Refugees benefit from improved access to primary and mental healthcare services, ensuring their overall well-being and resilience in displacement.


  • Host Communities: Host communities benefit from shared access to healthcare services, fostering social cohesion and improving public health outcomes.


  • International Stakeholders: Governments, NGOs, and international organizations benefit from improved health outcomes for refugee populations, contributing to global health stability and refugee protection.


Governance, Oversight, and Accountability


At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we uphold the highest standards of governance, oversight, and accountability across all our programs. As a registered nonprofit, we operate in full compliance with the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and adhere to guidelines set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for charities. This ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with national laws.


In addition to federal compliance, RefPIC adheres to provincial nonprofit regulations where we operate, both within Canada and internationally. Where necessary, we incorporate separately in different jurisdictions to ensure we meet local legal requirements. This enables us to operate effectively across regions while maintaining the highest levels of accountability and legal compliance.


  • National and Provincial Compliance: RefPIC strictly follows Canadian laws governing nonprofit organizations, ensuring transparency, financial accountability, and ethical standards. By complying with federal and provincial nonprofit regulations, we meet all legal requirements in the regions we serve.


  • International Standards and Frameworks: RefPIC's work is further guided by international laws and frameworks that protect refugee rights and promote sustainable development. We align our programs with global best practices to ensure our initiatives serve refugees and displaced persons effectively.


  • Strong Accountability Practices: We collaborate with local, national, and international stakeholders to ensure responsible resource management and effective service delivery. Through regular evaluations, transparent reporting, and continuous improvement, RefPIC ensures that our programs meet the immediate needs of refugees while contributing to long-term sustainable outcomes.


For more details, visit our Governance, Oversight, and Accountability page to learn more about our commitment to ethical practices, program evaluation, and compliance with legal frameworks.


Get Involved/Call to Action


  • Support Refugee Health Services: Advocate for expanded healthcare access for refugees by supporting RefPIC’s health services programs.


  • Volunteer: Join us in delivering medical and mental health services to refugee communities by volunteering with RefPIC.


  • Partner with Us: Collaborate with RefPIC to provide healthcare, mental health, and maternal health services to refugees in need.


  • Donate: Your financial contributions help fund essential health services for refugees, ensuring they receive the care and support needed to thrive.

Useful Resources (External Links)

  • Primary Health Care: WHO Essential Primary Health Care Guide for Refugee and Migrant Health – This guide from the World Health Organization provides standards and strategies for delivering essential primary healthcare to refugees and migrants, including vaccination programs, disease prevention, and management of common illnesses. Access the guide


  • Mental Health Care: IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings – Developed by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), these guidelines provide a framework for delivering mental health and psychosocial support to refugees, focusing on trauma-informed care and mental well-being in humanitarian contexts. Access the guidelines


  • Maternal and Child Health Programs: UNHCR Maternal and Child Health Toolkit – This toolkit offers guidance on maternal and child health programs, including prenatal and postnatal care, nutrition for mothers and children, and immunization services in refugee settings. Access the toolkit


  • Psychosocial Support: UNICEF Psychosocial Support Programming for Refugees – This resource from UNICEF outlines community-based psychosocial support interventions to promote emotional well-being among refugees, including counseling and group therapy. Access the resource


  • Health Education and Preventive ServicesSphere Standards: Health Education and Disease Prevention in Humanitarian Settings – The Sphere Standards provide a comprehensive framework for health education programs, focusing on hygiene promotion, disease prevention, and fostering health-seeking behaviors in refugee communities. Access the standards





bottom of page