Access to Health Care Services by refugees in Southern Africa: A Review of Literature

Document Abstract / Summary Overview

This study was conducted in order to understand the dynamics of each country in Southern Africa by documenting barriers facing refugees in accessing health care services and aiming to make policy recommendations based on findings. A desktop search was conducted through which papers using both qualitative and quantitative methods were gathered for analysis. A total of sixty-four (n=64) papers were generated, out of which only twenty-two (n=22) were considered for analysis. NVIVO software was used for analysis as it allowed the coding and grouping of findings under themes. The emerging themes included: Availability, Affordability, and Acceptability. These results suggest that access to formal health care services remains a challenge for refugees in Southern Africa. If identified barriers are not addressed, they will continue to affect the health of both citizens and refugees negatively.