This PRISMA systematic review included 69 studies from 4,572 records published between 2000 and 2022, examining infections among refugees, internally displaced people and residents of underserved neighbourhoods. Respiratory disease was reported most often, followed by hepatitis B, diarrhoeal disease, parasitic infection and HIV. These counts describe the literature's reporting frequency, not directly comparable population prevalence.
Key findings
- Across 142 reported infection events, the review counted 39 respiratory, 25 hepatitis B, 20 diarrhoeal, 19 parasitic and 18 HIV events. Synthesised risk domains covered diagnosis, healthcare access and use, living and geographic conditions, and human factors. Because the abstract appears to use multiple denominators, counts and full-text tables are safer than cross-comparing its percentages.
Why this matters globally
The review consolidates evidence about populations often missing from surveillance and supports accessible, non-stigmatising services, risk-based screening, water and sanitation, safe housing and continuity of care. Policy should not frame migration status itself as the cause of infection.
Thai researcher contribution
Fingani Annie Mphande Nyasulu of KMITL's Faculty of Medicine is the lead and corresponding author, giving a Thai institution a leading role in global-health evidence synthesis even though the underlying studies span multiple countries.
Limitations to consider
The search ends in 2022 despite 2026 publication, so newer evidence may be absent. Heterogeneous population definitions, diagnostics and denominators limit prevalence synthesis, while publication frequency may reflect research attention rather than true disease burden.