Tuberculosis among refugees: high prevalence and a healthcare journey marked by numerous challenges
Newly arrived refugees in France face a growing number of health vulnerabilities, including barriers to obtaining health insurance, limited access to medical interpretation services, lack of housing, and social isolation—all of which hinder access to preventive care and treatment. Between 2009 and 2018, over the past 10 years, 11,968 refugees received medical care and health screenings at Comede (Committee for Refugee Health), among whom 53 confirmed cases of tuberculosis were identified, representing an overall prevalence rate of 400 per 100,000. Analysis of these exiles’ life trajectories reveals significant instability or even a lack of housing, difficulties accessing health coverage, and legal and administrative instability that leads to delays in care and screening. To reach a certain number of people in highly precarious situations outside the mainstream healthcare system, and thereby strengthen screening initiatives, mechanisms for accessing care and prevention—incorporating outreach efforts to this population—as well as a comprehensive approach that accounts for co-factors of morbidity and social vulnerabilities are necessary.
Author(s): Rustico Joseph, Weinich Laura, Veïsse Arnaud, Lefebvre Olivier, Tambourindeguy Marion
Publishing year: 2020
Pages: 203-209
Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2020, n° 10-11, p. 203-209
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