Jordan: MoH reports on prevalence of disease among Syrian refugees

[Catbird]

Although the article mentions only a few specifics, it serves to make me wonder what else may be occurring in the refugee camps.

"Syrian Refugees Bring Diseases to Jordan

06/03/2013

Jordanian Minister of Health Abdul Latif Wreikat described the prevalence of infectious diseases among the Syrian refugee population as ?alarming,? and indicated that the cost of treatment is higher than Jordan can sustain. He noted that the diseases are not restricted to refugees in camps, but have also been detected among Syrian living among the general population.

Wreikat was quoted by the Jordan Times as saying that 41 Syrians have been diagnosed with tuberculosis, 39 with hepatitis, and seven with AIDS. He stressed that some of them are considered a ?threat? by the Jordanian healthcare system.

Furthermore, some refugees have been found to carry diseases that were previously eradicated in Jordan, including polio and malaria. Additionally, ministry data indicate that 30% of refugees over the age of 45 have one or more chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer...".

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: Jordan: MoH reports on prevalence of disease among Syrian refugees

March 29, 2013

Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Daifallah Lozi says that Jordan faces a health crisis due to the 500,000 Syrian refugees in the country. So far 50 have been diagnosed with tuberculosis. He said that Jordan can not meet the medical needs of the refugees, especially the control of tuberculosis, without international help.

http://www.khaberni.com/more-96587-1-الحكومة تتحدث عن أزمة صحية

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Jordan: MoH reports on prevalence of disease among Syrian refugees

Although the article mentions only a few specifics, it serves to make me wonder what else may be occurring in the refugee camps.

See also Jordan / Syria - Health reports from Za'atri Refugee Camp

 

[alert]

Re: Jordan: MoH reports on prevalence of disease among Syrian refugees

The initial post in this thread mentions polio in the refugees. That would be a very alarming development, as polio is supposed to be eradicated in the entire region.

This link (from Ro's thread):

http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefwe...nWeeklyReportHealthandNutritionWeek102013.pdf

mentions one 10 year-old girl with AFP from week 9 whose tests are apparently still pending. Aparently, they are now conducting polio immunizations:

http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefwe...lth and Nutrition Zaatri Camp HIS Week 11.pdf

If this case is WPV, it would have to have been imported (indirectly?) from Afghanistan, Pakistan, or Nigeria, as those are the only places in the world still experiencing WPV transmission.