Ann Ig. 2024 Mar 1. doi: 10.7416/ai.2024.2610. Online ahead of print
Infectious risk profile and strategies for prevention and control of outbreaks in refugee, asylum seekers and migrant populations in EU/EEA countries: a systematic narrative review of evidences
1 Health Prevention Department, Local Health Authority of Brindisi, Brindisi, Italy
2 Public Health Department, Local Health Authority of Ancona, Ancona, Italy
3 Directorate General of Health Prevention, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
4 Health Prevention Department, Local Health Authority of Turin, Italy
5 Territorial Assistance Department, Local Health Authority of Teramo, Italy
6 Health Directorate, Local Health Authority of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
7 Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
8 AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Department of Public Health, Occupational Health and Safety Service, Reggio Emilia, Italy
9 Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
10 Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
11 Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
Abstract
Introduction.
The recent surge in migration to and within the European Union and European Economic Area has brought the development of migration policy, including health policy, to the forefront of regional priorities. While migrants, in general, do not pose a health threat to the host population, specific subgroups of migrants, including refugees, asylum seekers, and irregular migrants, are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases. To support public health policies in this area, the Emergency Preparedness and Management’ working group of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health has conducted a systematic narrative review with the aim to comprehensively analyze the infectious disease risk within the refugee and asylum seeker populations in EU, EEA, and EU-applicant countries.
Methods.
Forty-two studies were systematically selected from scientific articles in the MEDLINE/PubMed database from January 1, 2008, to June 1, 2023. The infectious risk associated with each infectious disease among refugees and asylum seekers, as well as the strategies to prevent and control outbreaks, was collected from all available studies.
Results.
The congregate living conditions in refugee camps, transit centers, and temporary housing facilities make this population particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases. As such, implementing stringent hygiene and preventive measures is critical to safeguarding the health of refugees and reducing the risk of outbreaks that may affect both the refugee population and the host communities.
Conclusion.
Effective vaccination and preventive strategies for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers are vital for public health and the well-being of these populations. They should be delivered as part of universal health care. By addressing barriers and implementing tailored programs, we can ensure equitable access to vaccines and protect the health of these vulnerable individuals.
- Marzo 4, 2024