Pathogens, prejudice, and politics: the role of the global health community in the European refugee crisis

Abstract

Involuntary migration is a crucially important global challenge from an economic, social, and public health perspective. The number of displaced people reached an unprecedented level in 2015, at a total of 60 million worldwide, with more than 1 million crossing into Europe in the past year alone. Migrants and refugees are often perceived to carry a higher load of infectious diseases, despite no systematic association. We propose three important contributions that the global health community can make to help address infectious disease risks and global health inequalities worldwide, with a particular focus on the refugee crisis in Europe. First, policy decisions should be based on a sound evidence base regarding health risks and burdens to health systems, rather than prejudice or unfounded fears. Second, for incoming refugees, we must focus on building inclusive, cost-effective health services to promote collective health security. Finally, alongside protracted conflicts, widening of health and socioeconomic inequalities between high-income and lower-income countries should be acknowledged as major drivers for the global refugee crisis, and fully considered in planning long-term solutions.

A cross-sectional investigation of the health needs of asylum seekers in a refugee clinic in Germany

“…The preponderance of respiratory infections is consistent with recent studies in Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland [8, 15, 16]. More frequent respiratory diagnoses among new arrivals are likely attributable to conditions in Dresden’s reception centers, which often had open sleeping arrangements and minimal temperature control.…”

“…A 2014 review of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among urban refugees in developing countries found the prevalence of NCDs amongst those from the Middle East ranged from 9 to 50% [7]. Another recent review noted that the prevalence of TB in Syria, the country of origin of most asylum seekers in Germany in 2015, was lower than that in several European Union countries [8]. A small pilot study of disease prevalence among youth asylum seekers in Germany found that over half had infections, nearly half of which were Helicobacter pylori [9].…”

Refugee Policy Implications of U.S. Immigration Medical Screenings: A New Era of Inadmissibility on Health-Related Grounds

“…There is also the complexity of reintroduction of communicable disease in a disease-eradicated community, which can occur with a new influx of refugee migrants. Furthermore, environmental infrastructure and lifestyle play an important role in disease transmission [24]. Science is often biased by perception, created in part by media and other channels of risk communication.…”

“…This is debatable with many factual sources contradicting this assertion [24]. This conception challenges government programs accepting refugees for resettlement, as refugee adoption may cause potential burden on contentious societal resources [25].…”

Development and evaluation of a web-based capacity building course in the EUR-HUMAN project to support primary health care professionals in the provision of high-quality care for refugees and migrants

“…European countries were very concerned about refugees bringing infectious diseases to their countries; however, evidence to corroborate these particular fears was missing [5]. Overall, the health problems of refugees and migrants are similar to those of the rest of the population ranging from accidental injuries, reproductive health issues, to chronic diseases.…”