^1,8Directorate of Technical Services,Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd, Abuja, Nigeria.

²Mechatronics Department,Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State, Nigeria.

³Engineering and Design Department, University of Sussex, United Kingdom.

^4,6Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, USA.

⁵Aviation Medical Clinic, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

⁷Cyber Security Department, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

⁹National Health Insurance Scheme, Abuja, Nigeria.

*Correspondence Contact Detail: E-mail Address ✉: lawal_lasisi1@yahoo.com

Accepted October 15, 2022

The total number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria first became significant after the Nigerian civil war of 1967-1970. It is now estimated at 3.2 million and continues to rise. The current wave of IDPs is driven by terrorism, effects of armed conflict, situations of generalized violence, natural or human-made disasters within a given geographical region among others. It is imperative to provide social support and health services to this vulnerable population who has lost their sources of livelihood, housing, and access to quality health services. The Federal Government of Nigeria and many humanitarian organizations have jointly embarked on schemes and various aid programs geared toward the settling of IDPs by building camps and various structures to serve as shelters for them while administering the necessities for their continued safety and health. This study explores the role of mobile communications satellite systems with digital health services in addressing the healthcare needs of IDPs through a pilot project in a camp for IDPs located in Abuja, Nigeria. We provide suggestions for further actions and next steps to support the health of IDPs through mobile telehealth services.

Key words: Communications Satellite; Digital Health Inclusion; Digital Health Insurance Inclusion; Internally Displaced Persons.

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