Health needs of refugee children younger than 5 years arriving in New Zealand.

BACKGROUND

New Zealand accepts 750 refugees annually who enter via the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre.

AIMS: To evaluate the health needs of refugee children less than 5 years of age.

METHODS

Retrospective audit on the outcomes of health screening and referrals in children less than 5 years of age at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre between 2007 and 2011.

RESULTS

Of the 343 children, the most common infectious diseases were latent tuberculosis (15%) and parasitic infections (15%). In those older than 1 year old who had rubella and measles serology information, immunity was found in 50% and 59%, respectively. Hepatitis B immunity was found in 68%. Complete vaccination certificates were available for 66% on arrival to New Zealand. Vaccinations were administered to 73% while at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre. Iron deficiency and vitamin D deficiency were the main noninfectious diseases found and were present in 33% and 12%, respectively. The total requiring referral for further medical assessment or support was 58% with 19% requiring referral to more than one service.

CONCLUSIONS

Screening identified health needs in otherwise asymptomatic newly arriving refugee children. A proportion of children required access to multiple specialized medical services and may benefit from a comprehensive pediatric service.