Immigrant and Refugee Health

Infectious disease risks among refugees from North Korea

“…To quantify what has perhaps been believed to be almost unquantifiable, valuable datasets from health surveys of defectors were collected and reviewed. As already well documented (European Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 2009;Cookson et al, 1998), tuberculosis and viral hepatitis appeared to be two most common infectious diseases, especially among adult refugees. In addition, a special characteristic of North Korea is P. vivax malaria, which needs to be added to the list of differential diagnoses for pyretic patients.…”

“…Table 2 shows the results of a qualitative comparison between refugees from North Korea and refugees from Syria. In line with contemporary understanding of infectious diseases among international migrants (European Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 2009;Cookson et al, 1998), viral hepatitis and tuberculosis are likely to be the most commonly seen, especially among adults. With regard to parasitic diseases in these countries, it is critical to remember that P. vivax malaria has been endemic in North Korea, while cutaneous leishmaniasis has frequently been seen among Syrian migrants.…”

Revitalization and Development of Karen Traditional Medicine for Sustainable Refugee Health Services at the Thai–Burma Border

“…The emergency approach taken by many of these humanitarian organizations is vital during the initial phase of most forced migration situations, and such interventions save thousands of refugees' and migrants' lives each year (Cookson et al, 1998;Hansch & Burkholder, 1996). Yet in order to facilitate local cooperation and compliance, as many of these situations move into less acute phases, as on the Thai−Burma border, issues of culture, identity, and traditional practice emerge.…”

Patchwork, Sidelining and Marginalization: Services for Immigrant Youth

“…Those raised in families with disadvantaged socioeconomic status are at higher risk of malnutrition (Weissman, 1994). Some have been exposed to communicable diseases in their home countries (Cookson et al, 1998). Adolescents from certain religious and cultural backgrounds also face cultural taboos and practices that prevent their access to sex education and compromise their sexual and reproductive health (Orgocka, 2004;Elgaali, Strevens, & Mardh, 2005).…”