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Altaş ZM, Sezerol MA. Frequency of SARS-COV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccine uptake and protection among Syrian refugees : COVID-19 Vaccine among Syrian Refugees. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:570. [PMID: 38851672 PMCID: PMC11161936 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09460-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
It is aimed to examine the frequency of COVID-19 disease, the rates of COVID-19 vaccination and the vaccine effectiveness (VE) among Syrian refugees. It is a retrospective cohort study. Syrian refugees aged 18 years and above registered to a family health center in Sultanbeyli district in Istanbul were included. Vaccine effectiveness were calculated for both Pfizer BioN-Tech and CoronaVac (Sinovac) vaccines. The data of 2586 Syrian people was evaluated in the study. The median age of the participants was 34.0 years (min:18.0; max: 90.0). Of the participants 58.4% (n = 1510) were female, 41.6% (n = 1076) were male. In our study of the refugees 15.7% had history of COVID-19 infection. Refugees having full vaccination with Biontech and Sinovac have a significantly lower COVID-19 infection rate than those without vaccination (HR = 8.687; p < 0.001). Adjusted VE for Biontech, Sinovac, and both were 89.2% (95.0% CI:83.3-93.1), 81.2% (95.0% CI:48.72-93.1) and 88.5% (95.0% CI:82.7-92.3), respectively. The results of the study highlight the importance of vaccinations against COVID-19 pandemic, since both vaccines were highly protective in refugees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Meva Altaş
- Department of Public Health, Ümraniye District Health Directorate, Istanbul, 34764, Türkiye.
| | - Mehmet Akif Sezerol
- Epidemiology Program, Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, 34815, Türkiye
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, 34815, Türkiye
- Department of Public Health, Sultanbeyli District Health Directorate, Istanbul, 34935, Türkiye
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Markey K, Msowoya U, Burduladze N, Salsberg J, MacFarlane A, Dore L, Gilfoyle M. Antecedents and Consequences of Health Literacy among Refugees and Migrants during the First Two Years of COVID-19: A Scoping Review. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:116. [PMID: 38787049 PMCID: PMC11126087 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9050116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Supporting refugee and migrant health has become a critical focus of healthcare policy. Developing and designing health literacy interventions that meet the needs of refugees and migrants is core to achieving this objective. This literature review sought to identify antecedents and consequences of health literacy among refugees and migrants during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. We systematically searched nine electronic databases and numerous grey literature sources to identify studies published between December 2019 and March 2022. The antecedents (societal and environmental determinants, situational determinants, and personal determinants) and consequences of health literacy among refugees and migrants were mapped to a validated integrated health literacy model. Social and environmental determinants (n = 35) were the most reported antecedent influencing health literacy among refugees and migrants during the first two years of COVID-19. Language (n = 26) and culture (n = 16) were these determinants' most frequently reported aspects. Situational determinants (n = 24) and personal determinants (n = 26) were less frequently identified factors influencing health literacy among refugees and migrants. Literacy (n = 11) and socioeconomic status (n = 8) were the most frequently reported aspects of personal determinants. Media use (n = 9) and family and peer influence (n = 7) were the most cited situational determinants reported. Refugees and migrants with higher levels of health literacy were more likely to use healthcare services, resulting in better health outcomes. The findings of this review reveal personal and situational factors that impacted health literacy among refugees and migrants during COVID-19 that require attention. However, the inadequate adaptation of health literacy interventions for linguistic and cultural diversity was a greater problem. Attention to this well-known aspect of public health preparedness and tailoring health literacy interventions to the needs of refugees and migrants during pandemics and other public health emergencies are paramount.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Markey
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Uchizi Msowoya
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Nino Burduladze
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Jon Salsberg
- School of Medicine and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Anne MacFarlane
- School of Medicine and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Liz Dore
- Glucksman Library, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Meghan Gilfoyle
- Women’s College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Toronto, ON M5S 1B2, Canada
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Puchner KP, Giannakou V, Veizis A, Bougioukas K, Hargreaves S, Benos A, Kondilis E. COVID-19 vaccination roll-out and uptake among refugees and migrants in Greece: a retrospective analysis of national vaccination routine data. Public Health 2024; 229:84-87. [PMID: 38412698 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Refugees and migrants (R&Ms) exhibited higher risk of COVID-19 infection, and higher mortality rates during the pandemic. Acknowledging these risks, R&Ms early in the pandemic were identified by WHO as a priority vaccination group in need of protection. The aim of this study was to assess the vaccination roll-out and uptake among R&Ms residing in Reception Identification Centers (RICs) and Reception Sites (RSs) in Greece, relative to the general population. STUDY DESIGN Nationwide observational study. METHODS Retrospective analysis of national vaccination routine data and population census data, collected and triangulated from multiple official/governmental sources. Weekly vaccine roll-out and uptake were calculated for the general Greek population and the R&M population, through the first year of the vaccination programme in Greece (December 2020-December 2021). RESULTS Vaccine roll-out among migrants in RICs/RSs started with a 22-week delay, compared to the general population. By the end of the first year of the vaccination programme in Greece in December 2021, the national vaccination uptake among registered R&Ms residing in official reception facilities was 27.3 % for 1st dose and 4.7 % for booster dose; considerably lower compared to the general population (69.5 % uptake for 1st dose, 64.7 % for 2nd dose, and 32.0 % for 3rd dose). CONCLUSION Delayed vaccine roll-out and low vaccine uptake among R&Ms in Greece are signs of low prioritisation and implementation failures in the R&M vaccination strategy. In face of future public health threats, lessons should be learned, and vaccine equity should be insured for all socially vulnerable and high-risk population groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- K P Puchner
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Medicine and Health Services Research, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - V Giannakou
- MSc Program in Public Health and Health Policy, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - K Bougioukas
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - S Hargreaves
- Infection and Immunity Research Institute, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - A Benos
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Medicine and Health Services Research, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - E Kondilis
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Medicine and Health Services Research, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Seale H, Harris-Roxas B, Heywood AE, Abdi I, Mahimbo A, Woodland L, Waller E. "It's no use saying it in English": A qualitative study exploring community leaders' perceptions of the challenges and opportunities with translating and interpreting COVID-19 related public health messaging to reach ethnic minorities in Australia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0284000. [PMID: 38422070 PMCID: PMC10903877 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Australian Government implemented a range of public health response strategies and communication approaches to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, concerns have been raised around a failure to sufficiently consider culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities in these processes. This research aimed to understand the factors that have impacted COVID-19 communication and engagement efforts during the pandemic from the perspective of key CaLD community and faith-based leaders. A further aim was to understand the processes that could be adopted to support future communication strategies, including promoting pandemic-related vaccines. APPROACH This study included 29 key informant interviews with community and faith-based leaders in New South Wales, Australia. RESULTS The overwhelming message from community leaders was a sense of shared responsibility between their organisations and governments in communicating pertinent and accurate COVID-19 related information to CaLD communities. They expressed a sense of duty to keep their community members safe. However, community leaders and others shouldered significant costs related to resources and time that need to be acknowledged by governments in preparing for future disease outbreaks. They felt that governments should consider: 1) improving communication between governments and CaLD organisations; 2) responding to the specific CaLD needs with greater agility; 3) foregrounding social media in their communication strategy; 4) reinvesting in local public health units to know their population; 5) developing a health ambassadors model program; 6) preparing a hybrid model of translators/interpreters to fill the gap; and, 7) reimagining vaccine information campaigns to target CaLD communities better. CONCLUSION Given the technical details about the COVID-19 virus conveyed in government information campaigns and the media, ensuring the most vulnerable populations, including people from CaLD backgrounds, access clear, concise and timely public health messaging from governments and community organisations requires further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Seale
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
| | - Ben Harris-Roxas
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
| | - Anita E. Heywood
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
| | - Ikram Abdi
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Abela Mahimbo
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa Woodland
- NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emily Waller
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
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van Eggermont Arwidson C, Holmgren J, Tinghög P, Eriksson H, Gottberg K. (Over)crowded house: exploring asylum seekers' experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic while living at accommodation centers in Sweden. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:622. [PMID: 38413952 PMCID: PMC10898156 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18089-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has made visible the scale of health disparities in society, highlighting how the distribution of infection and deaths differs between population subgroups within countries. Asylum seekers represent a potentially vulnerable group; early in the pandemic, concerns were raised about their housing situation, usually involving overcrowded, camp-like accommodations, and the effects of COVID-19 in relation to this. Hence, this study aimed to explore asylum seekers' experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic while living at accommodation centers. METHODS In this qualitative study, 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted with asylum seekers at two accommodation centers in Sweden. Participants represented a diverse group of asylum seekers in regard to age, educational background, and gender. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Experiences related to COVID-19 were highly dependent on the living situation at the accommodation centers and the experience of feeling unsafe in shared spaces. This was enhanced by the experiences of a challenging mix of COVID-19 messages where different understandings of COVID-19 and related measures existed, together with a feeling of loss of control and safety in shared rooms. Additionally, participants felt more isolated from the outside society and missed prior social activities. Adding to this experience of isolation was an increasing mistrust regarding the authorities' pandemic response. CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of understanding the specific challenges and vulnerabilities of asylum seekers at accommodation centers during the pandemic, shaped by their housing situation and legal status. The findings underscore the need for context-specific support, holistic disease prevention approaches, and tailored health communication strategies using diverse formats. Additionally, the findings emphasize the crucial need to identify and mobilize existing community resources in planning and implementing pandemic control measures. Furthermore, the study emphasizes governmental responsibility in providing secure housing, and to address long-term vulnerabilities beyond pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotta van Eggermont Arwidson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Health Sciences, Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Jessica Holmgren
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Eskilstuna, Sweden
| | - Petter Tinghög
- Department of Health Sciences, Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Henrik Eriksson
- Department of Health Sciences, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden
| | - Kristina Gottberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Bojorquez-Chapela I, Rojas-Botero ML, Marín DP, Riveros MA, Roa AY, Fernández-Niño JA. Incorporating migrants into National COVID-19 Vaccination Plans in Latin America: A comparative analysis of policies in seven countries. J Migr Health 2023; 9:100207. [PMID: 38053942 PMCID: PMC10694650 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2023.100207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination against COVID-19 is an essential public health tool for pandemic control. Inclusion of migrants in COVID-19 vaccination is not only ethically necessary from a right-to-health perspective but also technically indispensable for disease control. This study aimed to characterize the inclusion of international migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in COVID-19 vaccination policies in Latin American countries that have the greatest recent increase in the reception of migrants. We conducted a content analysis of public policy documents issued between March 11, 2020, and June 30, 2022 by the Ministries of Health of seven countries: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru. Documents were located through Ministries of Health web pages, references in scientific literature, and the Pan American Health Organization's Information Platform on Health and Migration in the Americas. A content analysis was performed of the documents that were located, along six dimensions: migrants' right to vaccination, temporality of vaccination, administrative discretion, policies to facilitate access, language or cultural considerations, and normative, ethical or technical justifications provided. Eighty-six public policy documents were reviewed. Their contents showed that none of the countries explicitly excluded migrants from vaccination, nor did they explicitly define restrictions on this population. One barrier that was detected was to require identity documents in order to be vaccinated or to receive a vaccination certificate, which could be difficult for migrants to obtain. Few countries defined actions to facilitate or promote the vaccination of migrants. The documents that mentioned justifications for vaccinating migrants presented reasons that were mainly based on the recognition of the right to health, the principle of non-discrimination and equity. The countries studied generally had inclusive policies but were limited in terms of dealing with potential barriers to access. The lack of mechanisms to guarantee the right to health is a limitation that countries in the region should address.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Julián Alfredo Fernández-Niño
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, US
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
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Bozorgmehr K, McKee M, Azzopardi-Muscat N, Bartovic J, Campos-Matos I, Gerganova TI, Hannigan A, Janković J, Kállayová D, Kaplan J, Kayi I, Kondilis E, Lundberg L, Mata IDL, Medarević A, Suvada J, Wickramage K, Puthoopparambil SJ. Integration of migrant and refugee data in health information systems in Europe: advancing evidence, policy and practice. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2023; 34:100744. [PMID: 37927430 PMCID: PMC10625017 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Coverage of migrant and refugee data is incomplete and of insufficient quality in European health information systems. This is not because we lack the knowledge or technology. Rather, it is due to various political factors at local, national and European levels, which hinder the implementation of existing knowledge and guidelines. This reflects the low political priority given to the topic, and also complex governance challenges associated with migration and displacement. We review recent evidence, guidelines, and policies to propose four approaches that will advance science, policy, and practice. First, we call for strategies that ensure that data is collected, analyzed and disseminated systematically. Second, we propose methods to safeguard privacy while combining data from multiple sources. Third, we set out how to enable survey methods that take account of the groups' diversity. Fourth, we emphasize the need to engage migrants and refugees in decisions about their own health data. Based on these approaches, we propose a change management approach that narrows the gap between knowledge and action to create healthcare policies and practices that are truly inclusive of migrants and refugees. We thereby offer an agenda that will better serve public health needs, including those of migrants and refugees and advance equity in European health systems. Funding No specific funding received.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayvan Bozorgmehr
- Department of Population Medicine & Health Services Research, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
- Section Health Equity Studies & Migration, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Lancet Migration European Hub
| | - Martin McKee
- European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, London, UK
- London School of Medicine & Tropical Hygiene, London, UK
| | | | | | - Ines Campos-Matos
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, London, UK
| | | | - Ailish Hannigan
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Migrant’s Involvement in Health Research, School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - Daniela Kállayová
- Lancet Migration European Hub
- Department of Public Health, Screening and Prevention, Ministry of Health, Slovak Republic
- Trnava University, Trnava, Slovak Republic
| | - Josiah Kaplan
- UNICEF Global Office of Research and Foresight, Florence, Italy
| | - Ilker Kayi
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Elias Kondilis
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Lene Lundberg
- Lancet Migration European Hub
- Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Aleksandar Medarević
- Institute of Public Health of Serbia 'Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut', Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jozef Suvada
- St. Elizabeth University of Public Health and Social Work, Slovak Republic
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases, Research Methods and Recommendations, and McMaster GRADE Centre, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Canada
| | - Kolitha Wickramage
- UN Migration Agency Global Data Institute, Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration, Berlin, Germany
| | - Soorej Jose Puthoopparambil
- WHO Collaborating Centre on Migration and Health Data and Evidence, Global Health and Migration Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Sweden
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Singer E, Molyneux K, Gogerly-Moragoda M, Kee D, Baranowski KA. The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on health experiences of asylum seekers to the United States. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1376. [PMID: 37464269 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16313-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated preexisting barriers to accessing healthcare and social services faced by asylum seekers to the United States. This study aimed to uncover the impact of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic on asylum seekers, including socio-economic stressors and access to medical information, healthcare, and testing. METHOD We conducted 15 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with adult asylum seekers to the U.S. and systematically analyzed the resulting transcripts using a consensual qualitative research approach. RESULTS The transcripts yielded six domains: (1) knowledge and understanding of COVID-19; (2) attitudes and practices relating to COVID-19 precautions; (3) experience of COVID-19 symptoms; (4) current physical and mental health; (5) access to and interaction with health care; (6) discrimination based on asylum status. CONCLUSIONS Although participants had knowledge about COVID-19's communicability and regularly used masks, their living conditions frequently hindered their ability to quarantine and isolate, and their lack of insurance was often a deterrent to them seeking medical care. Notably, immigration status was not a significant factor discouraging participants from seeking care during the pandemic. The findings build on existing knowledge about this community and may help define areas where support and services can be expanded in current and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Singer
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1111 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10025, USA.
| | - Kevin Molyneux
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | | | - Dustin Kee
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Kim A Baranowski
- Department of Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
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Khai TS. Socio-ecological barriers to access COVID-19 vaccination among Burmese irregular migrant workers in Thailand. J Migr Health 2023; 8:100194. [PMID: 37396687 PMCID: PMC10292913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2023.100194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Thailand is a migration hub in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), with more than 3.9 million migrant workers, accounting for 10% of the country's workforce. The government of Thailand has moved from a pandemic to an endemic state of living with the SAR-CoV2 virus as a new normal since over half of the population has been vaccinated. There is, however, an estimated 1.3 million irregular migrant workers in Thailand who are not covered by Social Security Schemes (SSS) and are likely to have not been vaccinated. This study examines the socio-ecological barriers to accessing vaccination among Burmese irregular migrant workers in Thailand. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from NGO (Non-Government Organizations) workers and Burmese irregular migrants through an online survey and in-depth interviews. The study reported that over 90% of Burmese irregular migrants were unvaccinated. The main reasons for the low vaccination rate include exclusion from the vaccine distribution program, high cost of the vaccine, perceived low quality of vaccine, language barriers, lack of vaccine information, private and public discrimination against migrants, fear of being detained and deported, and difficulties in finding time and transportation to go to vaccination centres. The Thai government should employ culturally competent interpreters to disseminate vaccine information and potential side effects to encourage vaccinations in order to prevent further casualties and curb the global health crisis. Moreover, it is imperative that the Thai government provide free vaccines to all immigrants regardless of their status and amnesty from deportation and detention during the vaccination period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tual Sawn Khai
- School of Graduate Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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10
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Kondilis E, Gallo V. The inverse care law and COVID-19 vaccination for refugees. THE LANCET. HEALTHY LONGEVITY 2023; 4:e183-e184. [PMID: 37148889 PMCID: PMC10156135 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-7568(23)00061-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elias Kondilis
- School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54006, Greece.
| | - Valentina Gallo
- Campus Fryslan, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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El Arab RA, Somerville J, Abuadas FH, Rubinat-Arnaldo E, Sagbakken M. Health and well-being of refugees, asylum seekers, undocumented migrants, and internally displaced persons under COVID-19: a scoping review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1145002. [PMID: 37181725 PMCID: PMC10169615 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1145002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The objective of this scoping review was to identify what is known about the impact of COVID-19 on the physical and mental well-being of refugees, asylum seekers, undocumented migrants, and internally displaced persons. The aim was also to identify barriers influencing access to treatment or prevention. Methods The search was conducted using PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. A mixed methods appraisal tool was used to assess methodological rigor. The study findings were synthesized using a thematic analysis approach. Results and Discussion This review comprised 24 studies and were conducted utilizing a mixed method approach incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Two major themes were identified related to the impact of COVID-19 on the health and wellbeing of refugees, asylum seekers, undocumented migrants, and internally displaced persons and the key barriers influencing access to treatment or prevention of COVID-19. They often have barriers to accessing healthcare due to their legal status, language barriers, and limited resources. The pandemic has further strained already limited health resources, making it even more challenging for these populations to receive healthcare. This review reveals that refugees and asylum seekers in receiving facilities face a higher risk of COVID-19 infection than the general population due to their less favorable living conditions. The various health impacts stem from a lack of access to accurate information about the pandemic, misinformation, and the exacerbation of pre-existing mental health issues caused by heightened stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, fear of deportation among undocumented migrants, and overcrowding camps and detention facilities that increase exposure risk. Social distancing measures are difficult to implement in these settings, and inadequate sanitation, hygiene, and a lack of personal protective equipment further compound the problem. Moreover, the pandemic has had significant economic consequences for these populations. Many of them rely on informal or precarious employment, which has been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Job losses and reduced working hours, and limited access to social protection can lead to increased poverty, and food insecurity. Children faced specific challenges, such as disruptions to education, additionally, interruptions in support services for pregnant women. Some pregnant women have avoided seeking maternity care due to fears of contracting COVID-19, resulting in increased home births and delays in accessing healthcare services. Factors that play a role in vaccination reluctance include uncertainty of undocumented migrants' inclusion in vaccination programs, furthermore, a growing vaccine hesitancy in the population; skepticism about the safety of vaccines, inadequate knowledge/education, a variety of access barriers such as language barriers, and logistical challenges including remote locations, and inaccurate information. Conclusion This review highlights that the physical health of refugees, asylum seekers, undocumented migrants, and internally displaced persons has been significantly impacted by various barriers to healthcare access during the pandemic. These barriers include legal and administrative challenges, such as a lack of documentation. Additionally, the shift to digital tools has introduced new obstacles, not only due to language barriers or limited technical knowledge but also because of structural barriers, such as the requirement of a bank ID that is often inaccessible to these groups. Other factors contributing to limited healthcare access include financial constraints, language barriers, and discrimination. Additionally, limited access to accurate information about health services, prevention measures, and available resources may hinder them from seeking care or following public health guidelines. Misinformation and lack of trust in healthcare systems can also contribute to a reluctance to access care or vaccination programs. There is concerning evidence regarding vaccine hesitancy that needs to be addressed to reduce any future pandemic outbreak, in addition there is a need to explore the factors that play a role in vaccination reluctance among children in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabie Adel El Arab
- Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research (IRBLleida), Healthcare Research Group (GRECS), Lleida, Spain
| | - Joel Somerville
- Department of Optometry, Inverness College, University of the Highlands and Island, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Fuad H. Abuadas
- Community Health Nursing Department, College of Nursing, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esther Rubinat-Arnaldo
- Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research (IRBLleida), Healthcare Research Group (GRECS), Lleida, Spain
| | - Mette Sagbakken
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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12
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Solomos Z, Mothoneou AM, Boukouvalas G, Niakos I, Kavga A, Tsekoura D. Covid-19 case management in a Greek migrant camp: The Hellenic Red Cross Mobile Health Unit intervention in Nea Malakasa temporary accommodation center. J Migr Health 2023; 7:100184. [PMID: 36994423 PMCID: PMC10033494 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2023.100184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic the scientific community had expressed its concerns about increased transmission of the virus within asylum seeker accommodation centers due to substandard living conditions and poor sanitation. Studies regarding management of Covid-19 cases in such facilities are urgently needed in order to guide international strategies on future pandemics within the humanitarian setting. Our study's paradigm of Covid-19 case management in a Greek migrant camp aims to add on existing data. Data and Methods A retrospective analysis of epidemiological and demographical data collected as part of a healthcare intervention in a Greek migrant camp during three Covid-19 epidemic waves is presented in this study. Descriptive statistics were generated using STATA 12. Results During the first wave, the camp's administration adopted a 2-month strict lockdown strategy and no positive cases were recorded. During the second wave, suspected coronavirus cases were referred for PCR testing and, in case of positivity were hospitalized. 3% (n=28) of the camp's population were referred for PCR, with 1% of the population (n=10) being tested positive for Covid-19 and admitted to hospital. Close contacts of positive cases were encouraged to comply with non-pharmaceutical interventions and were offered medical care if symptoms developed. During the third epidemic wave, in-camp management was decided by on-site operators, with rapid antigen testing of symptomatic individuals, daily monitoring of positive cases by the medical team and mass screening of their closed contacts. 4% (n=33) of the camp's residents were tested positive, while none was hospitalized. 19% (n=148) of the camp's population were considered close contacts, were advised to self-isolate and were offered mass screening with rapid antigen test, from which another 21 positive cases emerged. In total, 7% (n=54) of the camp population, (n=21) female adults, (n=24) male adults and (n=9) children, were infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the third epidemic wave, with no deaths being recorded. During the study period, only 50 residents had received one dose of Covid-19 vaccines. Conclusion We recommend an in-camp Covid-19 response featuring regular follow up of positive cases and prompt referral to tertiary centers based on clinical criteria, while overemphasizing the need for equitable access to primary healthcare for asylum seekers in Greece, primarily during the current pandemic. Prolonged camp lockdowns should be avoided as they pose substantial health risks for their vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zisimangelos Solomos
- Mobile Health Team, Hellenic Red Cross, Dimitrakopoulou str. 130, P.C. 11741, Koukaki Area, Athens, Greece
- Corresponding author.
| | | | - Georgios Boukouvalas
- Mobile Health Team, Hellenic Red Cross, Dimitrakopoulou str. 130, P.C. 11741, Koukaki Area, Athens, Greece
| | - Ilias Niakos
- Mobile Health Team, Hellenic Red Cross, Dimitrakopoulou str. 130, P.C. 11741, Koukaki Area, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Kavga
- Department of Nursing, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra Tsekoura
- Mobile Health Team, Hellenic Red Cross, Dimitrakopoulou str. 130, P.C. 11741, Koukaki Area, Athens, Greece
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13
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Rast E, Perplies C, Biddle L, Bozorgmehr K. Between Care and Coercion: Asylum Seekers’ Experiences With COVID-19 Containment and Mitigation Measures in German Reception Centres. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1605230. [PMID: 36994090 PMCID: PMC10041458 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1605230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: COVID-19 containment and mitigation measures have been criticised for amplifying pre-existing individual and structural vulnerabilities among asylum seekers. We qualitatively explored their experiences with and attitudes towards pandemic measures to inform people-centred responses in future health emergencies.Methods: We interviewed eleven asylum seekers in a German reception centre (July-December 2020). The semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically with an inductive-deductive approach.Results: Quarantine was experienced as burdensome by participants. Shortcomings in social support, everyday necessities, information, hygiene, and daily activities exacerbated the strains of quarantine. Interviewees held different opinions about the usefulness and appropriateness of the various containment and mitigation measures. These opinions differed by individual risk perception and the measures’ comprehensibility and compatibility with personal needs. Power asymmetries related to the asylum system furthermore impacted on preventive behaviour.Conclusion: Quarantine can amplify mental health burdens and power asymmetries and can therefore constitute a considerable stressor for asylum seekers. Provision of diversity-sensitive information, daily necessities, and accessible psychosocial support is required to counteract adverse psychosocial impacts of pandemic measures and safeguard wellbeing in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eilin Rast
- Section Health Equity Studies & Migration, Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clara Perplies
- Section Health Equity Studies & Migration, Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Louise Biddle
- Section Health Equity Studies & Migration, Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Population Medicine and Health Services Research, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Kayvan Bozorgmehr
- Section Health Equity Studies & Migration, Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Population Medicine and Health Services Research, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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14
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Crawshaw AF, Hickey C, Lutumba LM, Kitoko LM, Nkembi S, Knights F, Ciftci Y, Goldsmith LP, Vandrevala T, Forster AS, Hargreaves S. Codesigning an intervention to strengthen COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Congolese migrants in the UK (LISOLO MALAMU): a participatory qualitative study protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e063462. [PMID: 36639215 PMCID: PMC9842599 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Migrants positively contribute to host societies yet experience barriers to health and vaccination services and systems and are considered to be an underimmunised group in many European countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted stark inequities in vaccine uptake, with migrants facing access and informational barriers and lower vaccine confidence. A key challenge, therefore, is developing tailored vaccination interventions, services and systems which account for and respond to the unique drivers of vaccine uptake in different migrant populations. Participatory research approaches, which meaningfully involve communities in co-constructing knowledge and solutions, have generated considerable interest in recent years for those tasked with designing and delivering public health interventions. How such approaches can be used to strengthen initiatives for COVID-19 and routine vaccination merits greater consideration. METHODS AND ANALYSIS LISOLO MALAMU ('Good Talk') is a community-based participatory research study which uses qualitative and coproduction methodologies to involve adult Congolese migrants in developing a tailored intervention to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Led by a community-academic coalition, the study will involve (1) semistructured in-depth interviews with adult Congolese migrants (born in Democratic Republic of Congo, >18 years), (2) interviews with professional stakeholders and (3) codesign workshops with adult Congolese migrants. Qualitative data will be analysed collaboratively using reflexive thematic analysis, and behaviour change theory will be used in parallel to support the coproduction of interventions and make recommendations across socioecological levels. The study will run from approximately November 2021 to November 2022. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval was granted by the St George's University Research Ethics Committee (REC reference: 2021.0128). Study findings will be disseminated to a range of local, national and international audiences, and a community celebration event will be held to show impact and recognise contributions. Recommendations for implementation and evaluation of prototyped interventions will be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison F Crawshaw
- Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Caroline Hickey
- Hackney Refugee and Migrant Forum, Hackney Council for Voluntary Service, London, UK
| | | | | | - Sarah Nkembi
- Hackney Congolese Women Support Group, London, UK
| | - Felicity Knights
- Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Lucy Pollyanna Goldsmith
- Institute for Infection and Immunity and Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Tushna Vandrevala
- Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education, Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research, Kingston University, Kingston, UK
| | | | - Sally Hargreaves
- Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
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Chaillon A, Bojorquez I, Sepúlveda J, Harvey-Vera AY, Rangel MG, Skaathun B, Mehta SR, Ignacio C, Porrachia M, Smith DM, Strathdee SA. Cocirculation and replacement of SARS-CoV-2 variants in crowded settings and marginalized populations along the US-Mexico border. SALUD PUBLICA DE MEXICO 2023; 65:10-18. [PMID: 36750073 PMCID: PMC10291843 DOI: 10.21149/13980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To interrogate the circulating SARS-CoV-2 lin-eages and recombinant variants in persons living in migrant shelters and persons who inject drugs (PWID). MATERIALS AND METHODS We combined data from two studies with marginalized populations (migrants in shelters and persons who inject drugs) in Tijuana, Mexico. SARS-CoV-2 variants were identified on nasal swabs specimens and compared to publicly available genomes sampled in Mexico and California. RESULTS All but 2 of the 10 lineages identified were predomi-nantly detected in North and Central America. Discrepan-cies between migrants and PWID can be explained by the temporal emergence and short time span of most of these lineages in the region. CONCLUSION The results illustrate the temporo-spatial structure for SARS-CoV-2 lineage dispersal and the potential co-circulation of multiple lineages in high-risk populations with close social contacts. These conditions create the potential for recombination to take place in the California-Baja California border.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Chaillon
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego. San Diego, United States.
| | - Ietza Bojorquez
- Departamento de Estudios de Población, El Colegio de la Frontera Norte. Tijuana, Mexico.
| | - Jaime Sepúlveda
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California. San Francisco, United States.
| | - Alicia Yolanda Harvey-Vera
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego. San Diego, United States/Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Xochicalco. Tijuana, Mexico/United States-Mexico Border Health Commission. Tijuana, Mexico.
| | - M Gudelia Rangel
- Departamento de Estudios de Población, El Colegio de la Frontera Norte/United States-Mexico Border Health Commission. Tijuana, Mexico.
| | - Britt Skaathun
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego. San Diego, United States.
| | - Sanjay R Mehta
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego/Veterans Affairs Health System. San Diego, United States.
| | - Caroline Ignacio
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego. San Diego, United States.
| | - Magali Porrachia
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego/Veterans Affairs Health System. San Diego, United States.
| | - Davey M Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego/Veterans Affairs Health System. San Diego, United States.
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego. San Diego, United States.
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16
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Morisod K, Grazioli VS, Schlüter V, Bochud M, Gonseth Nusslé S, D'Acremont V, Bühler N, Bodenmann P. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated risk factors among asylum seekers living in asylum centres: A cross-sectional serologic study in Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. J Migr Health 2023; 7:100175. [PMID: 36938329 PMCID: PMC10005972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2023.100175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding the factors influencing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in asylum seekers and refugees living in centres is crucial to determine targeted public health policies protecting these populations fairly and efficiently. In response, this study was designed to explore the pandemic's spread into asylum centres during the first wave of the pandemic in Switzerland. Specifically, it aimed to identify the risk factors associated with a positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence test after the first semi-confinement period (16 March to 27 April 2020) amongst asylum seekers and refugees living in centres. Methods This research is part of SérocoVID, a seroepidemiologic study of SARS-CoV-2 infection conducted in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Migrants living in two asylum centres, one known to have had an epidemic outbreak, were invited to participate in this study. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA antibodies targeting the spike viral protein were measured in all participants using a Luminex immunoassay. Each participant also completed a questionnaire measuring socio-demographic characteristics, medical history (comorbidities, smoking status, BMI, flu-like symptoms), health literacy, public health recommendations (wearing a masque in a public area, social distancing and hands cleaning), behaviours and exposures (daily life activities, number of contacts weekly). The association of these independent variables with the serologic test result were estimated using a multivariable logistic regression model. Findings A total of 124 participants from the two asylum centres took part in the study (Centre 1, n = 82; Centre 2, n = 42). The mean participation rate was 36.7%. The seroprevalence in Centres 1 and 2 were 13% [95% CI 0.03, 0.14] and 50% [0.34, 0.65], respectively. Next, 40.63% of SARS-CoV-2 positive people never developed symptoms (asymptomatic cases), and no one had severe forms of the Covid-19 disease requiring hospitalisation. Participants report high compliance with public health measures, especially hygiene rules (96.3% of positive answers) and social distancing (88.7%). However, only 11.3% said they always wore a masque in public. After adjusting for individual characteristics, infection risk was lower amongst people with high health literacy (aOR 0.16, p = 0.007 [0.04, 0.60]) and smokers (aOR 0.20, p = 0.013 [0.06, 0.69]). Conclusion Despite the lack of severe complications of Covid-19 disease in this study, findings suggest that developing targeted public health measures, especially for the low health literacy population, would be necessary to limit the risk of outbreaks in asylum centres and improve this population's safety. Further investigations and qualitative approach are required to understand more finely how living conditions, risks and behaviours such as tobacco consumption, and the adoption of protective measures impact SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Morisod
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Rue du Bugnon 44, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
- Chair of Medicine for Vulnerable Populations, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
- Corresponding author at: Chemin de Chantemerle 10, 1010 Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland.
| | - Véronique S. Grazioli
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Rue du Bugnon 44, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
- Chair of Medicine for Vulnerable Populations, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
| | - Virginie Schlüter
- Department of Training, Research and Innovation, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Route de Berne 113, Lausanne, Vaud 1010 Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
| | - Murielle Bochud
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Health systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Route de la Corniche 10, Lausanne, Vaud 1010, Switzerland
| | - Semira Gonseth Nusslé
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Health systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Route de la Corniche 10, Lausanne, Vaud 1010, Switzerland
| | - Valérie D'Acremont
- Department of Training, Research and Innovation, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Route de Berne 113, Lausanne, Vaud 1010 Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
| | - Nolwenn Bühler
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Rue du Bugnon 44, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Bodenmann
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Rue du Bugnon 44, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
- Chair of Medicine for Vulnerable Populations, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
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Nichol AA, Parcharidi Z, Al-Delaimy WK, Kondilis E. Rapid Review of COVID-19 Vaccination Access and Acceptance for Global Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Undocumented Migrant Populations. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1605508. [PMID: 36618432 PMCID: PMC9812946 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1605508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants globally have been disproportionally impacted by COVID-19. Vaccination has been a major tool to reduce disease impact, yet concerns exist regarding equitable allocation and uptake. Methods: A rapid literature review was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines to determine COVID-19 vaccination acceptance rates and level of access for these population groups globally. Results: Relatively high COVID-19 vaccine acceptance levels were commonly reported in these populations, although, trust in host governments was a frequently expressed concern, especially for undocumented migrants. Outreach efforts and access to comprehensive information from a trusted source and in appropriate language were found to be major determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. COVID-19 vaccination access and policies varied considerably across host countries despite urgings by international organizations to include migrants and refugees. While most governments endorsed inclusive policies, evidence of successful program implementation was frequently lacking, creating difficulty to better tailor and implement COVID-19 outreach programs. Conclusion: This review identifies impactful improvements to be implemented to ensure equitable COVID-19 vaccinations and to reduce disease burden on refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadne A. Nichol
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States,Center for Biomedical Ethics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Ariadne A. Nichol,
| | - Zoi Parcharidi
- School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Wael K. Al-Delaimy
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Elias Kondilis
- School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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18
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Knust B, Wongjindanon N, Moe AA, Herath L, Kaloy W, Soe TT, Sataranon P, Oo HM, Myat KZ, Win Z, Htet M, Htike M, Sudhiprapha B, Pyone AA, Win TP, Win HZ, Sawatwong P, Watthanaworawit W, Ling C, Gunaratne S, Lynn SA, Bhandari L, Nosten F, Skaggs B. Enhancing Respiratory Disease Surveillance to Detect COVID-19 in Shelters for Displaced Persons, Thailand-Myanmar Border, 2020-2021. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:S17-S25. [PMID: 36502383 PMCID: PMC9745244 DOI: 10.3201/eid2813.220324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed surveillance guidance for COVID-19 in 9 temporary camps for displaced persons along the Thailand-Myanmar border. Arrangements were made for testing of persons presenting with acute respiratory infection, influenza-like illness, or who met the Thailand national COVID-19 Person Under Investigation case definition. In addition, testing was performed for persons who had traveled outside of the camps in outbreak-affected areas or who departed Thailand as resettling refugees. During the first 18 months of surveillance, May 2020-October 2021, a total of 6,190 specimens were tested, and 15 outbreaks (i.e., >1 confirmed COVID-19 cases) were detected in 7 camps. Of those, 5 outbreaks were limited to a single case. Outbreaks during the Delta variant surge were particularly challenging to control. Adapting and implementing COVID-19 surveillance measures in the camp setting were successful in detecting COVID-19 outbreaks and preventing widespread disease during the initial phase of the pandemic in Thailand.
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19
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Arafa A, Kashima R, Kokubo Y. Cardiovascular Disease and COVID-19 Among Refugees: A Call to Action. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2022; 12:572-573. [PMID: 36396782 PMCID: PMC9672638 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-022-00078-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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20
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Goldsmith LP, Rowland-Pomp M, Hanson K, Deal A, Crawshaw AF, Hayward SE, Knights F, Carter J, Ahmad A, Razai M, Vandrevala T, Hargreaves S. Use of social media platforms by migrant and ethnic minority populations during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061896. [PMID: 36396309 PMCID: PMC9676419 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Migrants and ethnic minority groups have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and have lower levels of vaccine uptake in some contexts. We aimed to determine the extent and nature of social media use in migrant and ethnic minority communities for COVID-19 information, and implications for preventative health measures including vaccination intent and uptake. DESIGN A systematic review of published and grey literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched databases including Embase, Web of Science, PubMed NIH, CINAHL, facilitated through the WHO Global Research on COVID-19 database from 31 December 2019 to 9 June 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR STUDY SELECTION Research reporting the use of social media by migrants and/or ethnic minority groups in relation to COVID-19. DATA EXTRACTION We extracted data on key outcomes, study design, country, population under study and sample size. RESULTS 1849 unique records were screened, and 21 data sources were included, including populations in the UK, USA, China, Jordan, Qatar and Turkey. We found evidence of consistent use of a range of social media platforms for COVID-19 information in some migrant and ethnic minority populations (including WeChat, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube), which may stem from difficulty in accessing COVID-19 information in their native languages or from trusted sources. Some evidence suggested circulating misinformation and social media use may be associated with lower participation in preventative health measures, including vaccine intent and uptake, findings which are likely relevant to multiple population groups. CONCLUSIONS Social media platforms are an important source of information about COVID-19 for some migrant and ethnic minority populations. Urgent actions and further research are now needed to better understand effective approaches to tackling circulating misinformation, and to seize on opportunities to better use social media platforms to support public health communication and improve vaccine uptake. REGISTRATION This study has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021259190).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Pollyanna Goldsmith
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - May Rowland-Pomp
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Kristin Hanson
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University, Kingston-Upon-Thames, London, UK
| | - Anna Deal
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alison F Crawshaw
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Sally E Hayward
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Felicity Knights
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Jessica Carter
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Ayesha Ahmad
- Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - M Razai
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Tushna Vandrevala
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research, Kingston University, Kingston, Surrey, UK
| | - Sally Hargreaves
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
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21
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Ling-Hu T, Rios-Guzman E, Lorenzo-Redondo R, Ozer EA, Hultquist JF. Challenges and Opportunities for Global Genomic Surveillance Strategies in the COVID-19 Era. Viruses 2022; 14:2532. [PMID: 36423141 PMCID: PMC9698389 DOI: 10.3390/v14112532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Global SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance efforts have provided critical data on the ongoing evolution of the virus to inform best practices in clinical care and public health throughout the pandemic. Impactful genomic surveillance strategies generally follow a multi-disciplinary pipeline involving clinical sample collection, viral genotyping, metadata linkage, data reporting, and public health responses. Unfortunately, current limitations in each of these steps have compromised the overall effectiveness of these strategies. Biases from convenience-based sampling methods can obfuscate the true distribution of circulating variants. The lack of standardization in genotyping strategies and bioinformatic expertise can create bottlenecks in data processing and complicate interpretation. Limitations and inconsistencies in clinical and demographic data collection and sharing can slow the compilation and limit the utility of comprehensive datasets. This likewise can complicate data reporting, restricting the availability of timely data. Finally, gaps and delays in the implementation of genomic surveillance data in the public health sphere can prevent officials from formulating effective mitigation strategies to prevent outbreaks. In this review, we outline current SARS-CoV-2 global genomic surveillance methods and assess roadblocks at each step of the pipeline to identify potential solutions. Evaluating the current obstacles that impede effective surveillance can improve both global coordination efforts and pandemic preparedness for future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted Ling-Hu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Robert J. Havey, MD Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Estefany Rios-Guzman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Robert J. Havey, MD Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ramon Lorenzo-Redondo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Robert J. Havey, MD Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Egon A. Ozer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Robert J. Havey, MD Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Judd F. Hultquist
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Robert J. Havey, MD Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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22
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Altare C, Kostandova N, OKeeffe J, Omwony E, Nyakoojo R, Kasozi J, Spiegel PB. COVID-19 epidemiology and changes in health service utilization in Uganda's refugee settlements during the first year of the pandemic. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1927. [PMID: 36253816 PMCID: PMC9574818 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14305-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has been characterized by multiple waves with varying rates of transmission affecting countries at different times and magnitudes. Forced displacement settings were considered particularly at risk due to pre-existing vulnerabilities. Yet, the effects of COVID-19 in refugee settings are not well understood. In this study, we report on the epidemiology of COVID-19 cases in Uganda's refugee settlement regions of West Nile, Center and South, and evaluate how health service utilization changed during the first year of the pandemic. METHODS We calculate descriptive statistics, testing rates, and incidence rates of COVID-19 cases in UNHCR's line list and adjusted odds ratios for selected outcomes. We evaluate the changes in health services using monthly routine data from UNHCR's health information system (January 2017 to March 2021) and apply interrupted time series analysis with a generalized additive model and negative binomial distribution, accounting for long-term trends and seasonality, reporting results as incidence rate ratios. FINDINGS The first COVID-19 case was registered in Uganda on March 20, 2020, and among refugees two months later on May 22, 2020 in Adjumani settlement. Incidence rates were higher at national level for the general population compared to refugees by region and overall. Testing capacity in the settlements was lower compared to the national level. Characteristics of COVID-19 cases among refugees in Uganda seem to align with the global epidemiology of COVID-19. Only hospitalization rate was higher than globally reported. The indirect effects of COVID-19 on routine health services and outcomes appear quite consistent across regions. Maternal and child routine and preventative health services seem to have been less affected by COVID-19 than consultations for acute conditions. All regions reported a decrease in consultations for respiratory tract infections. INTERPRETATION COVID-19 transmission seemed lower in settlement regions than the national average, but so was testing capacity. Disruptions to health services were limited, and mainly affected consultations for acute conditions. This study, focusing on the first year of the pandemic, warrants follow-up research to investigate how susceptibility evolved over time, and how and whether health services could be maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Altare
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe str, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, 615 N Wolfe str, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Natalya Kostandova
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe str, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, 615 N Wolfe str, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jennifer OKeeffe
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe str, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, 615 N Wolfe str, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Emmanuel Omwony
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ronald Nyakoojo
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Julius Kasozi
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul B Spiegel
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe str, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, 615 N Wolfe str, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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23
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Abstract
Infectious diseases and war are maleficent comrades. This reality applies equally well to the war in Ukraine and the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Europe is facing a huge refugee crisis and potentially the conflict could worsen the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, 2 major countries of concern are Poland, which has taken the majority of refugees, and Moldova, which has taken a very large number of refugees on a per capita basis. However, the concern extends to the rest of Europe because of the mobility of refugees beyond the first country they enter. Vaccinating, infection control, and boosting refugees should be a priority. However, complete prevention of COVID-19 is very complex because of other issues related to the success of prevention.
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24
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Gama A, Marques MJ, Rocha JV, Azeredo-Lopes S, Kinaan W, Machado AS, Dias S. 'I Didn't Know Where to Go': A Mixed-Methods Approach to Explore Migrants' Perspectives of Access and Use of Health Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13201. [PMID: 36293781 PMCID: PMC9603706 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic put pressure on health systems, affecting populations' use of health services, especially those experiencing increased difficulties in healthcare access, as some migrant groups. This study aimed to investigate access and use of health services during the COVID-19 pandemic among migrants in Portugal. A mixed-methods approach was used. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted involving migrant communities residing in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Analyses of a subsample of participants (n = 929) examined factors associated with perceived worsening of access to health services during the pandemic. Semi-structured interviews with 14 migrants were conducted and thematically analyzed to further understand experiences and difficulties in health services' use. Around 44% of surveyed participants reported worsening of access to health services since the pandemic, more frequently women, those with lower income, and those who perceived being at moderate or high risk for COVID-19 infection. Digital change in services and lack of formal and informal support during lockdowns were highlighted by interviewers as main barriers in access to healthcare for migrants. The pandemic renewed concerns about inequalities in healthcare access among migrants. It is key that in following years health systems are able to address the potential accumulated burden of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gama
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisboa, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria J. Marques
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisboa, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Victor Rocha
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisboa, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sofia Azeredo-Lopes
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- Statistics and Operational Research Department, Sciences Faculty, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Walaa Kinaan
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Sá Machado
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisboa, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sónia Dias
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisboa, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
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25
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Kamenshchikova A, Hargreaves S, Chandler CIR. Management of cross-border mobilities during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Europe and implications for public health provision to migrants. J Travel Med 2022; 29:6657743. [PMID: 35932458 PMCID: PMC9384629 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taac093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
While many countries introduced border control measures to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, migrants on the move, like labour migrants and asylum seekers were trapped within the developing border politics. Here, we discuss how pre-existing gaps in international public health infrastructures have positioned migrants at a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Kamenshchikova
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society, School of Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, MD 6200, The Netherlands.,Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Sally Hargreaves
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Clare I R Chandler
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
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26
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Zucman D, Rasnaama A, Majerholc C, Vallée A. The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Migrant Population for HIV Diagnosis and Care Follow-Up: They Are Left Behind. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10091607. [PMID: 36141219 PMCID: PMC9498780 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10091607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed numerous worldwide challenges. The level of social vulnerability of the migrant population is disproportionately higher than other populations. Recent reports have shown that the access to care for the migrant population (i.e., non-French nationality patients) were greatly impacted during this pandemic. Thus, we would like to highlight the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on care follow-up in those migrant people infected with HIV who receive HIV care in France. Two groups of patients were defined: that is, patients with continuous care and patients with a loss of follow-up of at least one year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among 672 HIV patients, 19 (2.7%) patients were lost to follow-up for at least one year during the COVID-19 pandemic. We found no significant difference for gender (p = 0.332) or age (p = 0.115) between the two groups. However, patients with a loss of follow-up were mainly migrants rather than from the other group (p < 0.001), and the same results were observed for the nation of birth (89.5% vs. 44%, p < 0.001). In our hospital, most of the patients who were living abroad but had HIV care in France before the COVID epidemic (mainly retired migrants) were lost to follow-up during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, most of them have not resumed HIV care in France and we do not know their present situation. We can only observe that the COVID-19 pandemic has predominately disrupted the HIV care of migrant populations. Do not let them be left behind!
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zucman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reseau Ville Hôpital Val de Seine, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Amina Rasnaama
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reseau Ville Hôpital Val de Seine, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Catherine Majerholc
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reseau Ville Hôpital Val de Seine, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Alexandre Vallée
- Department of Epidemiology-Data-Biostatistics, Delegation of Clinical Research and Innovation (DRCI), Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
- Correspondence:
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27
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Matlin SA, Smith AC, Merone J, LeVoy M, Shah J, Vanbiervliet F, Vandentorren S, Vearey J, Saso L. The Challenge of Reaching Undocumented Migrants with COVID-19 Vaccination. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9973. [PMID: 36011606 PMCID: PMC9408401 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19169973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Access to vaccination against a health threat such as that presented by the COVID-19 pandemic is an imperative driven, in principle, by at least three compelling factors: (1) the right to health of all people, irrespective of their status; (2) humanitarian need of undocumented migrants, as well as of others including documented migrants, refugees and displaced people who are sometimes vulnerable and living in precarious situations; and (3) the need to ensure heath security globally and nationally, which in the case of a global pandemic requires operating on the basis that, for vaccination strategies to succeed in fighting a pandemic, the highest possible levels of vaccine uptake are required. Yet some population segments have had limited access to mainstream health systems, both prior to as well as during the COVID-19 pandemic. People with irregular resident status are among those who face extremely high barriers in accessing both preventative and curative health care. This is due to a range of factors that drive exclusion, both on the supply side (e.g., systemic and practical restrictions in service delivery) and the demand side (e.g., in uptake, including due to fears that personal data would be transmitted to immigration authorities). Moreover, undocumented people have often been at increased risk of infection due to their role as "essential workers", including those experiencing higher exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus due to frontline occupations while lacking protective equipment. Often, they have also been largely left out of social protection measures granted by governments to their populations during successive lockdowns. This article reviews the factors that serve as supply-side and demand-side barriers to vaccination for undocumented migrants and considers what steps need to be taken to ensure that inclusive approaches operate in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A. Matlin
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Alyna C. Smith
- Rue du Congrès/Congresstraat 37-41, P.O. Box 5, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jessica Merone
- Human Rights Center, University of Padova, Via 8 Febbraio, 2, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Michele LeVoy
- Rue du Congrès/Congresstraat 37-41, P.O. Box 5, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jalpa Shah
- Santé Publique France, 12 rue du Val d’Osne, CEDEX, 94415 Saint-Maurice, France
| | | | - Stéphanie Vandentorren
- Santé Publique France, 12 rue du Val d’Osne, CEDEX, 94415 Saint-Maurice, France
- INSERM UMR 1219-Bordeaux Population Health, University of Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Joanna Vearey
- African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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28
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Aljadeeah S, Michielsen J, Ravinetto R, Hargreaves S, Wirtz VJ, Razum O, Gobbi F, Kielmann K. Facilitating access to medicines and continuity of care for Ukrainian refugees: exceptional response or the promise of more inclusive healthcare for all migrants? BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:e010327. [PMID: 36008046 PMCID: PMC9422850 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-010327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Aljadeeah
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Joris Michielsen
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Raffaella Ravinetto
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Sally Hargreaves
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Veronika J Wirtz
- Department of Global Health, Boston University Scool of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Oliver Razum
- Department of Epidemiology & International Publich Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Federico Gobbi
- Center for Tropical Diseases, Ospedale Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Karina Kielmann
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
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29
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Mengesha Z, Alloun E, Weber D, Smith M, Harris P. "Lived the Pandemic Twice": A Scoping Review of the Unequal Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Asylum Seekers and Undocumented Migrants. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:6624. [PMID: 35682211 PMCID: PMC9180209 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic is widening pre-pandemic health, social, and economic inequalities between refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers and the general population. This global scoping review examined the impact of the pandemic on community-based asylum seekers and undocumented migrants in high- and upper-middle-income countries. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of peer-reviewed articles in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest Central. We applied Katikireddi's framework of understanding and addressing inequalities to examine the differential impact of the pandemic across exposure, vulnerability to infection, disease consequences, social consequences, effectiveness of control measures, and adverse consequences of control measures. RESULTS We included 32 articles in the review. The analysis showed that asylum seekers and undocumented migrants experienced greater exposure to the COVID-19 virus and higher infection rates. They also experienced differential social consequences in the form of job loss and lost and/or reduced work hours. The effectiveness of pandemic response measures on asylum seekers and undocumented migrants was also affected by pre-pandemic social and economic marginalisation, exclusion from pandemic-induced policy measures, lack of appropriate pandemic communication, and variable trust in governments and authority. Pandemic control measures had greater adverse consequences on asylum seekers and undocumented migrants than the general population, with the majority of studies included in this review reporting worsened mental health and social isolation conditions and reduced access to health care. CONCLUSIONS Asylum seekers and undocumented migrants experienced a disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across the six thematic areas of comparison. Policies that reduce exposure and vulnerability to the infection, grant equitable access to health and social care, and build capacities and resilience, are critical to enable asylum seekers and undocumented migrants to cope with and recover from pre-pandemic and pandemic-induced inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelalem Mengesha
- Centre for Health Equity Training, Research & Evaluation (CHETRE), UNSW Australia Research Centre for Primary Health Care & Equity, A Unit of Population Health, Member of the Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia;
| | - Esther Alloun
- Health Equity Research and Development Unit (HERDU), UNSW Australia Research Centre for Primary Health Care & Equity, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia;
| | - Danielle Weber
- NSW Refugee Health Service, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia; (D.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Mitchell Smith
- NSW Refugee Health Service, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia; (D.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Patrick Harris
- Centre for Health Equity Training, Research & Evaluation (CHETRE), UNSW Australia Research Centre for Primary Health Care & Equity, A Unit of Population Health, Member of the Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia;
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30
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Epidemiological Characteristics of COVID-19 Cases in Non-Italian Nationals in Sicily: Identifying Vulnerable Groups in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sicily, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095767. [PMID: 35565161 PMCID: PMC9105146 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As in other parts of the world, undocumented migrants in Italy suffer worse health status due to their immigration enforcement situation and other vulnerabilities such as precarious illegal jobs, exploitation and abuse or barriers to higher education, with higher prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic, as other pandemics, has not affected everyone equally. The undocumented was one of the most affected groups with regard to hospitalization rates and mortality worldwide. Sicily is one of the gates of entrance to Europe for migrants and asylum seekers from Africa and Asia. Herein, we described the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 cases in Sicily to compare hospitalization rate and mortality between Italian nationals and foreigners. We extracted data from the integrated national surveillance system established by the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS) to collect information on all COVID-19 cases and deaths in Sicily. We found that the hospitalization rates were higher in undocumented foreigners, and they were most likely to present a more severe clinical outcome compared to Italian nationals. Inclusive public health policies should take this population group into consideration to achieve the Health for All goal.
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31
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Lewtak K, Kanecki K, Tyszko P, Goryński P, Bogdan M, Nitsch-Osuch A. Ukraine War Refugees - Threats and New Challenges for Healthcare in Poland. J Hosp Infect 2022; 125:37-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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32
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Aylett-Bullock J, Gilman RT, Hall I, Kennedy D, Evers ES, Katta A, Ahmed H, Fong K, Adib K, Al Ariqi L, Ardalan A, Nabeth P, von Harbou K, Hoffmann Pham K, Cuesta-Lazaro C, Quera-Bofarull A, Gidraf Kahindo Maina A, Valentijn T, Harlass S, Krauss F, Huang C, Moreno Jimenez R, Comes T, Gaanderse M, Milano L, Luengo-Oroz M. Epidemiological modelling in refugee and internally displaced people settlements: challenges and ways forward. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-007822. [PMID: 35264317 PMCID: PMC8915287 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 presents many challenges to healthcare systems and infrastructures across the world, exacerbating inequalities and leaving the world’s most vulnerable populations at risk. Epidemiological modelling is vital to guiding evidence-informed or data-driven decision making. In forced displacement contexts, and in particular refugee and internally displaced people (IDP) settlements, it meets several challenges including data availability and quality, the applicability of existing models to those contexts, the accurate modelling of cultural differences or specificities of those operational settings, the communication of results and uncertainties, as well as the alignment of strategic goals between diverse partners in complex situations. In this paper, we systematically review the limited epidemiological modelling work applied to refugee and IDP settlements so far, and discuss challenges and identify lessons learnt from the process. With the likelihood of disease outbreaks expected to increase in the future as more people are displaced due to conflict and climate change, we call for the development of more approaches and models specifically designed to include the unique features and populations of refugee and IDP settlements. To strengthen collaboration between the modelling and the humanitarian public health communities, we propose a roadmap to encourage the development of systems and frameworks to share needs, build tools and coordinate responses in an efficient and scalable manner, both for this pandemic and for future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Aylett-Bullock
- UN Global Pulse, United Nations, New York, New York, USA .,Institute for Data Science, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Robert Tucker Gilman
- Centre for Crisis Studies and Mitigation, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ian Hall
- Centre for Crisis Studies and Mitigation, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Department of Mathematics, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - David Kennedy
- UK Public Health Rapid Support Team, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine/Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Egmond Samir Evers
- WHO Cox's Bazar Emergency Sub-Office, United Nations, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Anjali Katta
- UN Global Pulse, United Nations, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hussien Ahmed
- UNHCR Cox's Bazar Sub-Office, United Nations, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Kevin Fong
- Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Keyrellous Adib
- WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, United Nations, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Lubna Al Ariqi
- WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, United Nations, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ali Ardalan
- WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, United Nations, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Pierre Nabeth
- WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, United Nations, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Kai von Harbou
- WHO Cox's Bazar Emergency Sub-Office, United Nations, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Katherine Hoffmann Pham
- UN Global Pulse, United Nations, New York, New York, USA.,Stern School of Business, New York University, New York City, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Tinka Valentijn
- OCHA Centre for Humanitarian Data, United Nations, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Harlass
- UNHCR Public Health Unit, United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Frank Krauss
- Institute for Data Science, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Chao Huang
- UNHCR Global Data Service, United Nations, Copenhagen, New York, USA
| | | | - Tina Comes
- Faculty of Technology, Policy, and Management, Department of Engineering Systems and Services, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Mariken Gaanderse
- Faculty of Technology, Policy, and Management, Department of Engineering Systems and Services, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Leonardo Milano
- OCHA Centre for Humanitarian Data, United Nations, The Hague, The Netherlands
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33
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Saleh M, Farah Z, Howard N. Infectious disease surveillance for refugees at borders and in destination countries: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:227. [PMID: 35114956 PMCID: PMC8813574 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12646-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on infectious disease surveillance for migrants on arrival and in destination countries are limited, despite global migration increases, and more are needed to inform national surveillance policies. Our study aimed to examine the scope of existing literature including existing infectious disease surveillance activities, surveillance methods used, surveillance policies or protocols, and potential lessons reported. METHODS Using Arksey and O'Malley's six-stage approach, we screened four scientific databases systematically and 11 websites, Google, and Google Scholar purposively using search terms related to 'refugee' and 'infectious disease surveillance' with no restrictions on time-period or country. Title/abstracts and full texts were screened against eligibility criteria and extracted data were synthesised thematically. RESULTS We included 20 eligible sources of 728 identified. Reporting countries were primarily European and all were published between 1999 and 2019. Surveillance methods included 9 sources on syndromic surveillance, 2 on Early Warning and Response (EWAR), 1 on cross-border surveillance, and 1 on GeoSentinel clinic surveillance. Only 7 sources mentioned existing surveillance protocols and communication with reporting sites, while policies around surveillance were almost non-existent. Eleven included achievements such as improved partner collaboration, while 6 reported the lack of systematic approaches to surveillance. CONCLUSION This study identified minimal literature on infectious disease surveillance for migrants in transit and destination countries. We found significant gaps geographically and on surveillance policies and protocols. Countries receiving refugees could document and share disease surveillance methods and findings to fill these gaps and support other countries in improving disease surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majd Saleh
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH UK
| | - Zeina Farah
- Epidemiological Surveillance Program, Ministry of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Natasha Howard
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH UK
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117549 Singapore
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Arafa A. The forgotten people: impacts of COVID-19 on refugees. Public Health 2022; 205:e25. [PMID: 35232578 PMCID: PMC8808693 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Responses to COVID-19 Social and Economic Impacts: A Comparative Analysis in Southern European Countries. SOCIAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci11020036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic globally affected European societies. This new crisis arrived after a period of gradual recovery from the 2008 financial crisis that had jeopardized the achievement of Europe Strategy 2020 (ES2020) targets. The need to recover for the Southern European countries, which had austerity programs during the financial crisis, is crucial to ensure a continuum of economic and social development. This study aims to analyze the impact of the two last international crises on the accomplishment of ES2020 goals and how the ‘NextGenerationEU’ program presents a mechanism to recover from the pandemic’s socioeconomic impacts. We analyzed secondary statistical data from Eurostat and official European documents. Additionally, we carried out a systematic analysis of 162 measures of the recovery and resilience plan from Southern European countries (Greece, Spain, Italy, and Portugal). The results showed that ES2020 targets were at risk, particularly in the field of employment, combating poverty, and social exclusion. Currently, there is strong European investment in response to the socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic, with all countries defining measures adjusted to protect the most vulnerable groups. However, the implications of these responses require a political commitment for them to effectively contribute to sustainable recovery and development.
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Hossain MJ, Rahman SMA, Emran TB, Mitra S, Islam MR, Dhama K. Recommendation and Roadmap of Mass Vaccination against Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Bangladesh as a Lower-Middle-Income Country. ARCHIVES OF RAZI INSTITUTE 2021; 76:1815-1822. [PMID: 35546989 DOI: 10.22092/ari.2021.356357.1824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Low-income countries (LICs) and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) are still deprived of the optimum doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines for their population, equal access and distribution, as well as mass immunization roadmaps to be implemented for achieving herd immunity and protection from the ongoing pandemic. In this short report, we are interacting with the world public health experts, as well as national and global leaders for warranting the mass vaccination drive to be more progressive against COVID-19 with equitable access of vaccines to LICs or LMICs to save the lives of the poorest country people and refugees. From several scientific databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, as well as national and international news websites, the data were collected data by utilizing appropriate keywords regarding the topic. Bangladesh might be exemplified in this brief communication as the representative of LMIC. As of October 14, 2021, 48% of the world's people have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. In contrast, only 2.5% of people from LICs have come in under COVID-19 vaccination for at least a single shot. Both LICs and LMICs need far more vision and ambition, including political, administrative, and diplomatic progress along with enhancing the vaccination drive for their population to be immunized through simultaneous mass vaccination progress of other countries with implementing public health safety measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Hossain
- Department of Pharmacy, State University of Bangladesh, 77 Satmasjid Road Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
| | - S M A Rahman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
| | - T B Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University, Chittagong-4381, Bangladesh
| | - S Mitra
- Department Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
| | - M R Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, 74/A, Green Road, Farmgate, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - K Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243122, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Abstract
The concept of crimmigration connotes the currently prevailing approach between the different fields of penal, administrative and migration laws. It seems that, progressively, there is an amalgamation of penal law practices with those of civil and administrative law processes in a way creating confusion as to the boundaries of each law discipline and rational. In addition, the protection of public health from COVID-19 interrelates with the above three fields of law while at the same time the measures undertaken for the confrontation of the pandemic are further strengthening the social controls already imposed towards the migrant-refugee populations. Based on the Greek experience, we are particularly interested in mixed migration flows’ status of a ‘prolonged reception’. We have decided to examine the cases of the ‘asylum-seeker’ population and the ‘undocumented’ population who, to a large extent, constitute a large unseen category for the national vaccine program implemented to combat the COVID-19 hygiene crisis. The basic idea supported by our present study is that the health field is used as an additive component to crimmigration as it helps the establishment of a concrete screening intensifying the already imposed migration controls. In addition, the official social controls imposed to combat the COVD-19 health crisis contribute to crimmigration through the intensification of the dangerization of mixed migration flows. Currently, the health field, affected by COVID-19, contributes to the intensification of the crimmigration regime and at the same time to a dangerous cul-de-sac.
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COVID-19 Impact in the Italian Reception System for Migrants during the Nationwide Lockdown: A National Observational Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312380. [PMID: 34886106 PMCID: PMC8656734 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, attention was raised to protect vulnerable populations, including migrants and refugees (M&R), with the claim to leave no one behind in the pandemic response. In particular, concern was expressed in M&R’s reception centres since several COVID-19 outbreaks had been observed in Europe. Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 in the Italian reception system in the first pandemic wave in terms of incidence and health outcomes. A national survey focusing on the lockdown period of early 2020 was performed among reception centre managers. The survey achieved reaching around 70% of reception facilities and hosts. A national cumulative incidence of 400 positive cases per 100,000 and a north–south geographical gradient were observed. Sixty-eight facilities out of the 5038 participating in the survey reported confirmed cases and few COVID-19 clusters were detected especially in accommodations with the highest facility saturation index. Positive migrants were hospitalised in 25.9% of cases and no COVID-19 related deaths were observed. The study highlighted a cumulative incidence of cases and a geographical distribution similar to that of the general resident population, showing a global COVID-19 resilience in the Italian reception system in the period of observation, well beyond the expectations.
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Kumar BN, Hargreaves S, Agyemang C, James RA, Blanchet K, Gruer L. Reducing the impact of the coronavirus on disadvantaged migrants and ethnic minorities. Eur J Public Health 2021; 31:iv9-iv13. [PMID: 34751368 PMCID: PMC8576303 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies from several countries have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionally affected migrants. Many have numerous risk factors making them vulnerable to infection and poor clinical outcome. Policies to mitigate this effect need to take into account public health principles of inclusion, universal health coverage and the right to health. In addition, the migrant health agenda has been compromised by the suspension of asylum processes and resettlement, border closures, increased deportations and lockdown of camps and excessively restrictive public health measures. International organizations including the World Health Organization and the World Bank have recommended measures to actively counter racism, xenophobia and discrimination by systemically including migrants in the COVID-19 pandemic response. Such recommendations include issuing additional support, targeted communication and reducing barriers to accessing health services and information. Some countries have had specific policies and outreach to migrant groups, including facilitating vaccination. Measures and policies targeting migrants should be evaluated, and good models disseminated widely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette N Kumar
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Folkehelseinstituttet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sally Hargreaves
- Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rosemary A James
- Lancet Migration European Regional Hub, Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karl Blanchet
- Lancet Migration European Regional Hub, Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, Geneva, Switzerland
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Analysis of Policies to Protect the Health of Urban Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Thailand: A Qualitative Study and Delphi Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010566. [PMID: 34682311 PMCID: PMC8535300 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The health of urban refugees and asylum seekers (URAS) in Bangkok has been neglected and health policies for USAR have not materialized. This study aimed to explore the views of stakeholders on policies to protect URAS well-being in Thailand. This study conducted a mixed-methods approach comprising both in-depth interviews and Delphi survey. The interview findings revealed six main themes: (1) the government position on URAS; (2) opinions on Thailand becoming a party of the 1951 Refugee Convention; (3) NGOs on health promotion for URAS; (4) options on health insurance management for URAS; (5) working potential of URAS; and (6) uncertainty of future life plans for URAS. The Delphi survey showed that URAS should have the right to acquire a work permit and be enrolled in the public insurance scheme managed by the Ministry of Public Health. Moreover, the ideology of national security was more influential than the concept of human rights. The ambiguity of the central authorities’ policy direction to take care of URAS creates haphazard legal interpretations. The Delphi survey findings suggested the need for a more inclusive policy for URAS, however actual policy implementation requires further research on policy feasibility and acceptance by the wider public.
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