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Weigel R, Krüger C. Global child health in Germany - Time for action. Glob Health Action 2020; 13:1829401. [PMID: 33032497 PMCID: PMC7580723 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2020.1829401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Child health is central to the SDG agenda. Universities in the UK and other European countries provide leadership in research and education for global child health to inform related policy and practice, but the German contribution is inadequate. German paediatricians and other child health professionals could make more substantial contributions to the debate at home and internationally, but lack opportunities for scholarship and research. We argue, that there is a momentum to advance global child health in academia and call on German universities to realise this potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Weigel
- Friede Springer Endowed Professorship for Global Child Health, Faculty of Health, Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Carsten Krüger
- Faculty of Health, Department of Medicine, Division of Paediatrics, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
- Department of Applied Health Sciences, University of Applied Sciences, Hsg Bochum, Germany
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Louka C, Chandler E, Ranchor AV, Broer H, Pournaras S, Ravensbergen SJ, Stienstra Y. Asylum seekers' perspectives on vaccination and screening policies after their arrival in Greece and The Netherlands. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226948. [PMID: 31877563 PMCID: PMC6932865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Europe has been dealing with an increasing number of refugees during the past 5 years. The timing of screening and vaccination of refugees is debated by many professionals, however refugees’ perspectives on health issues are infrequently taken into account. In this study, we aimed to investigate asylum seekers’ perspectives on infectious diseases screening and vaccination policies. Materials and methods Interviews were conducted in Greece and the Netherlands. Asylum seekers and recently arrived refugees were approached and informed with the help of interpreters; consent forms were acquired. The survey focused on demographic data, vaccination status, screening policies and prevention of infectious diseases. Results A total of 61 (43 male, 70.5%) refugees (30 Afghanis, 16 Syrian, 7 Erithrean) were interviewed. Mean age was 35.2 years (SD 13.5) and 50% had received primary or secondary education, while 24.6% received none. Median time after arrival in Greece and the Netherlands was 24 months (IQR 8.5–28). 44 out of 61 (72.1) participants were willing to be vaccinated after arrival in Europe, 26 preferred vaccination and screening to be performed at the point of entry. The need for screening and vaccination was perceived higher amongst participants in Greece (100% vs 43.3%) due to living conditions leading to increased risk of outbreaks. Conclusion Participants were willing to communicate their perspectives and concerns. Screening and vaccination programs could be more effective when implemented shortly after arrival and by involving asylum seekers and refugees when developing screening and vaccination interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Louka
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- ESCMID study group for infections in travelers and migrants, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Elizabeth Chandler
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Adelita V. Ranchor
- Department of Health Psychology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Spyros Pournaras
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, ‘ATTIKON’ University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofanne J. Ravensbergen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- ESCMID study group for infections in travelers and migrants, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ymkje Stienstra
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- ESCMID study group for infections in travelers and migrants, Basel, Switzerland
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Jablonka A, Happle C, Wetzke M, Dopfer C, Merkesdal S, Schmidt RE, Behrens GMN, Solbach P. Measles, Rubella and Varicella IgG Seroprevalence in a Large Refugee Cohort in Germany in 2015: A Cross-Sectional Study. Infect Dis Ther 2017; 6:487-496. [PMID: 28875465 PMCID: PMC5700889 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-017-0169-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The current extent of migration to the European continent is associated with exceptional humanitarian challenges. In 2015, Western Europe faced an enormous immigration of refugees with largely unknown protection status against communicable diseases. To adapt vaccination strategies, we aimed at assessing seroprevalences against three of the most relevant vaccine preventable diseases (VPD) in a large representative cohort. METHODS IgG seroprevalences for rubella, varicella (n = 554) and measles (n = 552) were analyzed in inhabitants of a Northern German refugee camp in the summer of 2015. RESULTS Of the refugees, 77.9% were male (mean age 27.4 years for male and 26.8 years for female migrants). Most refugees came from the Eastern Mediterranean region (83.4%), followed by immigrants from Eastern Europe (7.4%), Africa (4.6%), or other regions (4.5%). The vast majority of migrants were protected against the three VPD: overall IgG seropositivity was 88.5% for measles, 77.9% for rubella and 95.9% for varicella. However, seroprevalences showed age- and origin-dependent differences. Varicella immunity, for example, was lowest in the youngest age group of both genders (10.1% of male/4.5% of female seronegative refugees <18 years vs. 100% seropositivity in men and women >49 years of age), and Sudanese migrants displayed particularly low rates of protection against varicella. CONCLUSION In accordance with previous studies, our analyses show an overall satisfactory seropositivity against measles, rubella, and varicella in refugees entering Europe during the current exodus. However, this rate is not sufficient for preventing transmission. For example, the rate of 12.9-17.9% female refugees at reproductive age unprotected against measles and the low protection levels against varicella in minors observed in our cohort emphasizes the need for stringent vaccination strategies in refugees coming to Europe during the current crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Jablonka
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), PARTNER Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Christine Happle
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology, and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research, Biomedical Research in End Stage and Obstructive Lung Disease/BREATH, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Wetzke
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology, and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Dopfer
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology, and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sonja Merkesdal
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), PARTNER Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
| | - Reinhold E Schmidt
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), PARTNER Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
| | - Georg M N Behrens
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), PARTNER Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
| | - Philipp Solbach
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), PARTNER Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Maltezou HC, Elhadad D, Glikman D. Monitoring and managing antibiotic resistance in refugee children. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2017; 15:1015-1025. [PMID: 29027495 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2017.1392853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The past decade the Middle East and Southeastern Europe have witnessed an enormous movement of refugees due to the Syrian war and conflicts in Asia and Africa. Although carriage of and infections with multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens in refugees have been reported, pediatric data are scarce. Areas covered: MDR bacterial carriage and infections, and MDR-tuberculosis (TB) in refugee children from 2010. Expert commentary: High MDR carriage rates in refugee children are attributed to high pre-civil war MDR rates, war-damaged infrastructure and healthcare systems, and poor hygiene conditions. Currently there are no international guidelines about MDR screening in refugee children. Given the medical importance of MDRs, challenging therapeutics and risk of importation in non/low-endemic countries, we recommend routine screening and contact isolation upon hospitalization of refugees. TB, including MDR-TB, is highly-endemic in many Asian and African countries, however, current data in refugee children are lacking. TB Screening in refugees is widely implemented but there is no consensus on methods and target populations. Coordinated TB detection and treatment, use of rapid molecular tests and drug-susceptibility testing, better access to healthcare, cross border TB care collaboration, and protection from deportation while on treatment should be integrated parts of TB control and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena C Maltezou
- a Department for Interventions in Health Care Facilities , Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Athens , Greece
| | - Dana Elhadad
- b The Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee , Bar-Ilan University , Safed , Israel
| | - Daniel Glikman
- b The Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee , Bar-Ilan University , Safed , Israel.,c Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit , Galilee Medical Center , Nahariya , Israel
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Heudorf U, Albert-Braun S, Hunfeld KP, Birne FU, Schulze J, Strobel K, Petscheleit K, Kempf VAJ, Brandt C. Multidrug-resistant organisms in refugees: prevalences and impact on infection control in hospitals. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2016; 11:Doc16. [PMID: 27579250 PMCID: PMC4987489 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The refugee crisis is a great challenge to the social and healthcare system in European countries, especially in Germany. An abundance of data has been published on the refugees’ health problems (infections as well as physical diseases and psychiatric problems) and their prevention (i.e., sanitary and vaccination programs). However, data on prevalences of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) in refugees are scarce, although it is known that most refugees are from or travelled through countries with high prevalences of MDRO. This paper presents current data on MDRO colonization of refugees admitted to hospitals, and the impact of screening upon admission and infection control in hospitals is discussed. Methods: Anonymous data obtained by screening upon hospital admission were reported by hospitals in the Rhine-Main region of Germany to the local public health department. Screening and microbiological analyses were performed from December 2015 to March 2016 according to standardized and validated methods. Results: 9.8% of the refugees screened (32/325) exhibited colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and 23.3% of the refugees (67/290) were colonized with Gram-negative bacteria with extended spectrum beta-lactamases, and/or enterobacteria with resistance against 3 or 4 groups of antibacterials, so-called 3MRGN (multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria with resistance against penicillins, cephalosporins and quinolones) and 4MRGN (with additional resistance against carbapenems). Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CRGN) were detected in 2.1% (6/290) of the refugees. Conclusion: The data confirms the studies published between 2014 and 2016, encompassing refugees tested in Germany, the Netherlands and Israel, with prevalences of MRSA and CRGN up to 13.5% and 5.6%. The MDRO prevalences are higher than those of “risk groups” for MRSA, such as hemodialysis patients and patients depending on outpatient home-nursing care or residing in nursing homes. Therefore, screening and special infection control in hospitals is strongly suggested when refugees are admitted to hospitals, in order to ensure best medical practice and safety for all hospital patients regardless of their country of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursel Heudorf
- Public Health Department, Division of Infectious Diseases and Hygiene, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sabine Albert-Braun
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Klinikum Frankfurt Höchst, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Klaus-Peter Hunfeld
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology and Infection Control, Northwest Medical Centre, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Volkhard A J Kempf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Christian Brandt
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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