| There is a universal threat and increasing neglect of border communities. Throughout the world, most morder communities suffer from neglect and marginalizaiton by central authorities and policy makers. Paradoxically, while having high priority in terms of national security, border areas and border communities are often regarded by national policy makers as peripheral in terms of social programs. Difficult terrain, insufficient or absent infrastructure and a lack of local resources result in problems in the delivery of health care. Health policy makers are preoccupied with metropolitan populations and tend to neglect their border communities. The same is true in settlements of refugees and migrant who cross the borders due to political and ethnic conflicts and economic and natrual disasters. This is a problem area of significant magnitude, serious ramifications and is common the world over. The panel will examine the challenges of providing and access health care along international
borders |