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Prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in migrants in Europe in the era of universal health coverage. THE LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 7:e876-e884. [DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(22)00174-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Crawshaw AF, Farah Y, Deal A, Rustage K, Hayward SE, Carter J, Knights F, Goldsmith LP, Campos-Matos I, Wurie F, Majeed A, Bedford H, Forster AS, Hargreaves S. Defining the determinants of vaccine uptake and undervaccination in migrant populations in Europe to improve routine and COVID-19 vaccine uptake: a systematic review. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:e254-e266. [PMID: 35429463 DOI: 10.1101/2021.11.08.21266058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Understanding why some migrants in Europe are at risk of underimmunisation and show lower vaccination uptake for routine and COVID-19 vaccines is critical if we are to address vaccination inequities and meet the goals of WHO's new Immunisation Agenda 2030. We did a systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42020219214) exploring barriers and facilitators of vaccine uptake (categorised using the 5As taxonomy: access, awareness, affordability, acceptance, activation) and sociodemographic determinants of undervaccination among migrants in the EU and European Economic Area, the UK, and Switzerland. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO from 2000 to 2021 for primary research, with no restrictions on language. 5259 data sources were screened, with 67 studies included from 16 countries, representing 366 529 migrants. We identified multiple access barriers-including language, literacy, and communication barriers, practical and legal barriers to accessing and delivering vaccination services, and service barriers such as lack of specific guidelines and knowledge of health-care professionals-for key vaccines including measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus, human papillomavirus, influenza, polio, and COVID-19 vaccines. Acceptance barriers were mostly reported in eastern European and Muslim migrants for human papillomavirus, measles, and influenza vaccines. We identified 23 significant determinants of undervaccination in migrants (p<0·05), including African origin, recent migration, and being a refugee or asylum seeker. We did not identify a strong overall association with gender or age. Tailored vaccination messaging, community outreach, and behavioural nudges facilitated uptake. Migrants' barriers to accessing health care are already well documented, and this Review confirms their role in limiting vaccine uptake. These findings hold immediate relevance to strengthening vaccination programmes in high-income countries, including for COVID-19, and suggest that tailored, culturally sensitive, and evidence-informed strategies, unambiguous public health messaging, and health system strengthening are needed to address access and acceptance barriers to vaccination in migrants and create opportunities and pathways for offering catch-up vaccinations to migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison F Crawshaw
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Yasmin Farah
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, 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 & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kieran Rustage
- 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; Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jessica Carter
- 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
| | - Lucy P Goldsmith
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Ines Campos-Matos
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, London, UK; UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Fatima Wurie
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, London, UK; UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Azeem Majeed
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Helen Bedford
- Population, Policy and Practice Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, 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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Crawshaw AF, Farah Y, Deal A, Rustage K, Hayward SE, Carter J, Knights F, Goldsmith LP, Campos-Matos I, Wurie F, Majeed A, Bedford H, Forster AS, Hargreaves S. Defining the determinants of vaccine uptake and undervaccination in migrant populations in Europe to improve routine and COVID-19 vaccine uptake: a systematic review. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:e254-e266. [PMID: 35429463 PMCID: PMC9007555 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00066-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Understanding why some migrants in Europe are at risk of underimmunisation and show lower vaccination uptake for routine and COVID-19 vaccines is critical if we are to address vaccination inequities and meet the goals of WHO's new Immunisation Agenda 2030. We did a systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42020219214) exploring barriers and facilitators of vaccine uptake (categorised using the 5As taxonomy: access, awareness, affordability, acceptance, activation) and sociodemographic determinants of undervaccination among migrants in the EU and European Economic Area, the UK, and Switzerland. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO from 2000 to 2021 for primary research, with no restrictions on language. 5259 data sources were screened, with 67 studies included from 16 countries, representing 366 529 migrants. We identified multiple access barriers-including language, literacy, and communication barriers, practical and legal barriers to accessing and delivering vaccination services, and service barriers such as lack of specific guidelines and knowledge of health-care professionals-for key vaccines including measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus, human papillomavirus, influenza, polio, and COVID-19 vaccines. Acceptance barriers were mostly reported in eastern European and Muslim migrants for human papillomavirus, measles, and influenza vaccines. We identified 23 significant determinants of undervaccination in migrants (p<0·05), including African origin, recent migration, and being a refugee or asylum seeker. We did not identify a strong overall association with gender or age. Tailored vaccination messaging, community outreach, and behavioural nudges facilitated uptake. Migrants' barriers to accessing health care are already well documented, and this Review confirms their role in limiting vaccine uptake. These findings hold immediate relevance to strengthening vaccination programmes in high-income countries, including for COVID-19, and suggest that tailored, culturally sensitive, and evidence-informed strategies, unambiguous public health messaging, and health system strengthening are needed to address access and acceptance barriers to vaccination in migrants and create opportunities and pathways for offering catch-up vaccinations to migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison F Crawshaw
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Yasmin Farah
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, 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 & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kieran Rustage
- 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; Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jessica Carter
- 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
| | - Lucy P Goldsmith
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Ines Campos-Matos
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, London, UK; UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Fatima Wurie
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, London, UK; UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Azeem Majeed
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Helen Bedford
- Population, Policy and Practice Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, 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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Deal A, Halliday R, Crawshaw AF, Hayward SE, Burnard A, Rustage K, Carter J, Mehrotra A, Knights F, Campos-Matos I, Majeed A, Friedland JS, Edelstein M, Mounier-Jack S, Hargreaves S. Migration and outbreaks of vaccine-preventable disease in Europe: a systematic review. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 21:e387-e398. [PMID: 34626552 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(21)00193-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Migrant populations are one of several underimmunised groups in the EU or European Economic Area (EU/EEA), yet little is known about their involvement in outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. This information is vital to develop targeted strategies to improve the health of diverse migrant communities. We did a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42019157473; Jan 1, 2000, to May 22, 2020) adhering to PRISMA guidelines, to identify studies on vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks (measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, hepatitis A, varicella, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae) involving migrants residing in the EU/EEA and Switzerland. We identified 45 studies, reporting on 47 distinct vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks across 13 countries. Most reported outbreaks involving migrants were of measles (n=24; 6496 cases), followed by varicella (n=11; 505 cases), hepatitis A (n=7; 1356 cases), rubella (n=3; 487 cases), and mumps (n=2; 293 cases). 19 (40%) outbreaks, predominantly varicella and measles, were reported in temporary refugee camps or shelters. Of 11 varicella outbreaks, nine (82%) were associated with adult migrants. Half of measles outbreaks (n=11) were associated with migrants from eastern European countries. In conclusion, migrants are involved in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks in Europe, with adult and child refugees residing in shelters or temporary camps at particular risk, alongside specific nationality groups. Vulnerability varies by disease, setting, and demographics, highlighting the importance of tailoring catch-up vaccination interventions to specific groups in order to meet regional and global vaccination targets as recommended by the new Immunisation Agenda 2030 framework for action. A better understanding of vaccine access and intent in migrant groups and a greater focus on co-designing interventions is urgently needed, with direct implications for COVID-19 vaccine delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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 & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rae Halliday
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, 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; Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Amelia Burnard
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Kieran Rustage
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, 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
| | | | - Felicity Knights
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Ines Campos-Matos
- Public Health England, London, UK; UCL Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Azeem Majeed
- Department of Primary Care & Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jon S Friedland
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Sandra Mounier-Jack
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, 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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Wang J, Zhu J, Bai Y, Wang X, Che Y, Liu J. Vaccination rates and determinants of nine recommended vaccines among migrants in China: a nationwide cross-sectional study. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:5205-5213. [PMID: 34614381 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1981088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past 70 years, in order to strengthen disease prevention and improve people's health, China had introduced a series of vaccine policies. However, compared with the permanent population, studies on the vaccination situation of the migrants were lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the vaccination rates of nine recommended vaccines (HepB, HepA, FIn, DTaP, JE, Rab, MPSV, HF, and TIG vaccine) among migrants and related determinants. We used nationwide data from the 2017 Migrant Population Dynamic Monitoring Survey (MDMS) to analyze the vaccination rates of migrants in terms of gender, age, marital status, household registration, education, health level, etc. The total vaccination rate of nine recommended vaccines was 64.8% (6488/10013). Education level and health level were positively correlated with vaccination rates, but age was negatively correlated with vaccination rates. Migrants from urban regions had a higher vaccination rate than those from rural regions. Among the nine recommended vaccines, HepB vaccination rate was the highest (59.08%), while HF vaccination rate was the lowest (4.08%). Combined with policies and demographic characteristics, the relationship between age, household registration, health level, education level and vaccination were studied. The findings suggested that more attention should be given to vaccination of migrants, and the monitoring of vaccination of such groups should be strengthened through information technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Center for Health Policy Research and Evaluation, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Jingmin Zhu
- Department of Economics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Yang Bai
- Center for Health Policy Research and Evaluation, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Xueyao Wang
- Center for Health Policy Research and Evaluation, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Che
- Center for Health Policy Research and Evaluation, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Jue Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, China.,Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, China
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Deal A, Hayward SE, Huda M, Knights F, Crawshaw AF, Carter J, Hassan OB, Farah Y, Ciftci Y, Rowland-Pomp M, Rustage K, Goldsmith L, Hartmann M, Mounier-Jack S, Burns R, Miller A, Wurie F, Campos-Matos I, Majeed A, Hargreaves S. Strategies and action points to ensure equitable uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations: A national qualitative interview study to explore the views of undocumented migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees. J Migr Health 2021; 4:100050. [PMID: 34075367 PMCID: PMC8154190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2021.100050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early evidence confirms lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake in established ethnic minority populations, yet there has been little focus on understanding vaccine hesitancy and barriers to vaccination in migrants. Growing populations of precarious migrants (including undocumented migrants, asylum seekers and refugees) in the UK and Europe are considered to be under-immunised groups and may be excluded from health systems, yet little is known about their views on COVID-19 vaccines specifically, which are essential to identify key solutions and action points to strengthen vaccine roll-out. METHODS We did an in-depth semi-structured qualitative interview study of recently arrived migrants (foreign-born, >18 years old; <10 years in the UK) to the UK with precarious immigration status between September 2020 and March 2021, seeking their input into strategies to strengthen COVID-19 vaccine delivery and uptake. We used the 'Three Cs' model (confidence, complacency and convenience) to explore COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, barriers and access. Data were analysed using a thematic framework approach. Data collection continued until data saturation was reached, and no novel concepts were arising. The study was approved by the University of London ethics committee (REC 2020.00630). RESULTS We approached 20 migrant support groups nationwide, recruiting 32 migrants (mean age 37.1 years; 21 [66%] female; mean time in the UK 5.6 years [SD 3.7 years]), including refugees (n = 3), asylum seekers (n = 19), undocumented migrants (n = 8) and migrants with limited leave to remain (n = 2) from 15 different countries (5 WHO regions). 23 (72%) of 32 migrants reported being hesitant about accepting a COVID-19 vaccine and two (6%) would definitely not accept a vaccine. Participants communicated concerns over vaccine content, side-effects, lack of accessible information in an appropriate language, lack of trust in the health system and low perceived need. A range of barriers to accessing the COVID-19 vaccine were reported and concerns expressed that their communities would be excluded from or de-prioritised in the roll-out. Undocumented migrants described fears over being charged and facing immigration checks if they present for a vaccine. Participants (n = 10) interviewed after recent government announcements that COVID-19 vaccines can be accessed without facing immigration checks remained unaware of this. Participants stated that convenience of access would be a key factor in their decision around whether to accept a vaccine and proposed alternative access points to primary care services (for example, walk-in centres in trusted places such as foodbanks, community centres and charities), alongside promoting registration with primary care for all, and working closely with communities to produce accessible information on COVID-19 vaccination. CONCLUSIONS Precarious migrants may be hesitant about accepting a COVID-19 vaccine and face multiple and unique barriers to access, requiring simple but innovative solutions to ensure equitable access and uptake. Vaccine hesitancy and low awareness around entitlement and relevant access points could be easily addressed with clear, accessible, and tailored information campaigns, co-produced and delivered by trusted sources within marginalised migrant communities. These findings have immediate relevance to the COVID-19 vaccination initiatives in the UK and in other European and high-income countries with diverse migrant populations. FUNDING NIHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Deal
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
- Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sally E Hayward
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
- Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mashal Huda
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - Felicity Knights
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - Alison F Crawshaw
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - Jessica Carter
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - Osama B Hassan
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - Yasmin Farah
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - Yusuf Ciftci
- Doctors of the World UK (Médecins du Monde), London, UK
| | - May Rowland-Pomp
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - Kieran Rustage
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - Lucy Goldsmith
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
| | | | - Sandra Mounier-Jack
- Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rachel Burns
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, UK
| | - Anna Miller
- Doctors of the World UK (Médecins du Monde), London, UK
| | - Fatima Wurie
- Health Improvement Directorate, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Azeem Majeed
- Department of Primary Care & Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sally Hargreaves
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - on behalf of the ESCMID Study Group for Infections in Travellers and Migrants (ESGITM)
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
- Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Doctors of the World UK (Médecins du Monde), London, UK
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, UK
- Health Improvement Directorate, Public Health England, London, UK
- Department of Primary Care & Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Llau AF, Williams ML, Tejada CE. National vaccine coverage trends and funding in Latin America and the Caribbean. Vaccine 2020; 39:317-323. [PMID: 33288342 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.11.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND From 2006 to 2011 nearly 174,000 deaths were prevented in Latin America and the Caribbean through vaccination of children under five, which is widely attributed to the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). Despite near global adoption of EPI recommendations, vaccination coverage shows substantial variation across world regions. Causes for low immunizations within regions are multifaceted and include vaccination program costs. To date, publications regarding vaccine coverage across Latin America and the Caribbean are not readily available. This study aimed to: (1) compare vaccine coverage trends across nations within the region; and (2) assess whether national immunization program expenditures are correlated with vaccine coverage. METHODS Coverage for nine vaccines were collected by nation using publicly available data from WHO. National immunization program expenditures for each country were collected from the World Bank Index. The proportion of countries achieving 90% coverage in the years 2013 and 2017 for each vaccine were compared. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to measure the relationship between financing variables and DTP3 coverage for 2017. RESULTS In 2017, fewer Latin American and Caribbean nations were able to achieve 90% vaccine coverage for five vaccines compared to 2013. Mostly weak to moderate positive relationships were found between national immunization program expenditures and DTP3 coverage for 2017. Excluding Haiti, a weak negative relationship was found between total government expenditure on vaccines per infant and DTP3 coverage for 2017. Countries across Latin America and the Caribbean were largely self-reliant in funding vaccine expenditures. CONCLUSIONS Fewer countries across Latin America and the Caribbean are currently achieving optimum national vaccine coverage and weak to moderate relationships between routine immunization and vaccine expenditures and coverage were observed. Additional factors contributing to national vaccine coverage should be concomitantly examined to implement strategies which optimize delivery of childhood immunizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthoni F Llau
- Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Global Health Consortium, United States.
| | - Mark L Williams
- Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), United States
| | - Carlos Espinal Tejada
- Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Global Health Consortium, United States
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What have we learnt from measles outbreaks in 3 English cities? A qualitative exploration of factors influencing vaccination uptake in Romanian and Roma Romanian communities. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:381. [PMID: 32293379 PMCID: PMC7092501 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8454-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since 2016, large scale measles outbreaks have heavily affected countries across Europe. In England, laboratory confirmed measles cases increased almost four-fold between 2017 and 2018, from 259 to 966 cases. Several of the 2017–18 measles outbreaks in England particularly affected Romanian and Roma Romanian communities, with the first outbreaks in these communities occurring in Birmingham, Leeds and Liverpool. This study explored factors influencing vaccination behaviours amongst Romanian and Roma Romanian communities in these three cities. Methods Across Birmingham, Leeds and Liverpool, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 33 key providers to explore their experience in delivering vaccinations and managing the outbreak response. We also interviewed 9 Romanian women in one of the cities to explore their vaccination attitudes and behaviours. To categorise factors affecting vaccination we applied the 5As Taxonomy for Determinants of Vaccine Uptake (Access, Affordability, Awareness, Acceptance and Activation) during data analysis. Results Factors related to access and acceptance, such as language and literacy, ease of registering with a general practice, and trust in health services, were reported as the main barriers to vaccination amongst the communities. Concerns around vaccination safety and importance were reported but these appeared to be less dominant contributing factors to vaccination uptake. The active decline of vaccinations amongst interviewed community members was linked to distrust in healthcare services, which were partly rooted in negative experiences of healthcare in Romania and the UK. Conclusion Access and acceptance, dominant barriers to vaccination, can be improved through the building of trust with communities. To establish trust providers must find ways to connect with and develop a greater understanding of the communities they serve. To achieve this, cultural and linguistic barriers need to be addressed. Better provider-service user relationships are crucial to reducing vaccination inequalities and tackling broader disparities in health service access.
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Giambi C, Del Manso M, Marchetti G, Olsson K, Adel Ali K, Declich S. Immunisation of migrants in EU/EEA countries: Policies and practices. Vaccine 2019; 37:5439-5451. [PMID: 31296374 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.06.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In recent years various EU/EEA countries have experienced an influx of migrants from low and middle-income countries. In 2018, the "Vaccine European New Integrated Collaboration Effort (VENICE)" survey group conducted a survey among 30 EU/EEA countries to investigate immunisation policies and practices targeting irregular migrants, refugees and asylum seekers (later called "migrants" in this report). Twenty-nine countries participated in the survey. Twenty-eight countries reported having national policies targeting children/adolescent and adult migrants, however vaccinations offered to adult migrants are limited to specific conditions in seven countries. All the vaccinations included in the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) are offered to children/adolescents in 27/28 countries and to adults in 13/28 countries. In the 15 countries offering only certain vaccinations to adults, priority is given to diphtheria-tetanus, measles-mumps-rubella and polio vaccinations. Information about the vaccines given to child/adolescent migrants is recorded in 22 countries and to adult migrants in 19 countries with a large variation in recording methods found across countries. Individual and aggregated data are reportedly not shared with other centres/institutions in 13 and 15 countries, respectively. Twenty countries reported not collecting data on vaccination uptake among migrants; only three countries have these data at the national level. Procedures to guarantee migrants' access to vaccinations at the community level are available in 13 countries. In conclusion, although diversified, strategies for migrant vaccination are in place in all countries except for one, and the strategies are generally in line with international recommendations. Efforts are needed to strengthen partnerships and implement initiatives across countries of origin, transit and destination to develop and better share documentation in order to guarantee a completion of vaccination series and to avoid unnecessary re-vaccination. Development of migrant-friendly strategies to facilitate migrants' access to vaccination and collection of vaccination uptake data among migrants is needed to meet existing gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Giambi
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Martina Del Manso
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giulia Marchetti
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Kate Olsson
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Gustav III:s boulevard 40, 169 73 Solna, Sweden.
| | - Karam Adel Ali
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Gustav III:s boulevard 40, 169 73 Solna, Sweden.
| | - Silvia Declich
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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10
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Abstract
Migration is increasing and practitioners need to be aware of the unique health needs of this population. The prevalence of infectious diseases among migrants varies and generally mirrors that of their countries of origin, but is modified by the circumstance of migration, the presence of pre-arrival screening programs and post arrival access to health care. To optimize the health of migrants practitioners; (1) should take all opportunities to screen migrants at risk for latent infections such as tuberculosis, chronic hepatitis B and C, HIV, strongyloidiasis, schistosomiasis and Chagas disease, (2) update routine vaccines in all age groups and, (3) be aware of "rare and tropical infections" related to migration and return travel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Greenaway
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Jewish General Hospital, Room E0057, 3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada; Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, 3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada; J.D. MacLean Center for Tropical Diseases at McGill, McGill University Health Centre, Glen Site, 1001 Décarie Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Francesco Castelli
- University Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili, Piazza del Mercato, 15, Lombardy, Brescia 25121, Italy; UNESCO Chair "Training and Empowering Human Resources for Health Development in Resource-Limited Countries", University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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11
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Hagstam P, Böttiger B, Winqvist N. Measles and rubella seroimmunity in newly arrived adult immigrants in Sweden. Infect Dis (Lond) 2019; 51:122-130. [PMID: 30676125 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2018.1524583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND International migrants could be considered as a risk group for being susceptible to vaccine preventable diseases such as measles and rubella. However, data on immunity in different migrant groups are scarce. Apart from asylum seekers and refugees, other immigrant groups might also be at risk. We have examined measles and rubella specific IgG antibodies among newly arrived adult immigrants in Skåne region in southern Sweden. In contrast to children, adult immigrants are not offered catch-up vaccinations after arrival. METHODS Stored serum samples from 989 asylum seekers and 984 pregnant women from the antenatal screening program, who had recently settled in Sweden, were analyzed for specific measles and rubella IgG-antibodies. Sex, age, reason for screening and geographic origin were variables entered into a multivariate regression model. RESULTS There were considerable differences in seroimmunity to measles with regard to geographic origin (44-97%). Measles seroimmunity gaps were most prominent in immigrants from some European regions such as the Baltic countries, the former Yugoslavia and the Newly Independent States and Russia. Seroprotection for rubella varied less between geographic regions (90-99%). CONCLUSION Susceptibility to measles among adult immigrants arriving in Sweden varies considerably depending on their geographic origin. Vaccinations against measles and rubella should be offered to groups of immigrants who might be incompletely immunized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Hagstam
- a Regional Office of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Blenda Böttiger
- b Department of Clinical Microbiology, Division of Laboratory Medicine , Lund University , Lund , Sweden
| | - Niclas Winqvist
- a Regional Office of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden.,c Clinical Infection Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine , Lund University , Lund, Sweden
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12
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Ravensbergen SJ, Nellums LB, Hargreaves S, Stienstra Y, Friedland JS. National approaches to the vaccination of recently arrived migrants in Europe: A comparative policy analysis across 32 European countries. Travel Med Infect Dis 2019; 27:33-38. [PMID: 30336255 PMCID: PMC6370981 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2018.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migrants may be underimmunised and at higher risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, yet there has been no comprehensive examination of what policies are currently implemented across Europe targeting child and adult migrants. We analysed vaccination policies for migrants in 32 EU/EEA countries and Switzerland. METHODS Using framework analysis, we did a comparative analysis of national policies and guidelines pertaining to vaccination in recently arrived migrants through a systematic guideline and literature review and by approaching national experts. RESULTS Six (18.8%) of 32 countries had comprehensive policies specific to the vaccination of migrants (two focused only on child migrants, four on both adults and children). Nineteen (59.4%) countries applied their national vaccination schedule for migrant vaccinations, predominantly focusing on children; and five (15.6%) countries had circulated additional migrant-specific resources to relevant health-care providers. In six (18.8%) countries, policies on migrant vaccination focused on outbreak-specific vaccines only. In ten (31.3%) countries, policies focused on priority vaccinations, with polio being the vaccine most commonly administered and heterogeneity noted in vaccines recommended to adults, adolescents, and children. Eighteen (56.3%) countries recommended that an individual should be considered as unvaccinated where vaccination records were missing, and vaccines re-administered. Nine (28.1%) countries reported that specific vaccinations were mandatory. CONCLUSION There is considerable variation in policies across Europe regarding approaches to vaccination in adult and child migrants, and a lack of clarity on optimum ways forward, what vaccines to offer, with a need for robust research in this area. More emphasis must be placed on ensuring migrant-specific guidance is disseminated to front-line healthcare professionals to improve vaccine delivery and uptake in diverse migration populations across the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofanne J Ravensbergen
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Laura B Nellums
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, WC1E 7HU, UK; Section of Infectious Diseases & Immunity, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sally Hargreaves
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, WC1E 7HU, UK; Section of Infectious Diseases & Immunity, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Ymkje Stienstra
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jon S Friedland
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, WC1E 7HU, UK; Section of Infectious Diseases & Immunity, Imperial College London, London, UK
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13
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Hargreaves S, Nellums LB, Ravensbergen SJ, Friedland JS, Stienstra Y. Divergent approaches in the vaccination of recently arrived migrants to Europe: a survey of national experts from 32 countries, 2017. Euro Surveill 2018; 23:1700772. [PMID: 30326996 PMCID: PMC6194906 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2018.23.41.1700772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundMigrants within the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) may be underimmunised and lack documentation on previous vaccinations. We investigated approaches to vaccination in recently arrived adult and child migrants, and guideline availability and implementation. Methods: Between March and May 2017, a national vaccination expert from every EU/EEA country and Switzerland completed an electronic questionnaire. We used descriptive analyses to calculate percentages, and framework analysis to synthesise free-text responses. Results: We approached 32 countries (response rate 100%). Although 28 experts reported vaccination guidance at national level, specific guidelines for recently arrived migrants were only available in six countries and not consistently implemented. Twenty-three countries administered vaccinations during on-arrival health checks. Most experts recommended multiple vaccination opportunities be made available: at point of entry (n = 13) or at holding level (reception centres, migrant camps, detention centres) (n = 21). In 30 countries, child migrants without evidence of previous vaccination were re-vaccinated according to the national schedule. Diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus and polio vaccinations were given to migrant children in all countries, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) in 31 countries, hepatitis B vaccination in 25. Low levels of catch-up vaccination were reported in adult migrants, with only 13 countries offering MMR and 10 countries charging fees. Conclusion: Existing guidance is often not migrant-specific and may not be applied in practice; clarification is needed on which vaccines should be given. Strategies are needed specifically for catch-up vaccination in adult migrants. Vaccinations should be offered in multiple settings, free of charge, with sufficient guidance and training provided to front-line healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Hargreaves
- These authors are joint first authors
- The Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- The International Health Unit, Section of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura B Nellums
- These authors are joint first authors
- The Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- The International Health Unit, Section of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sofanne J Ravensbergen
- These authors are joint first authors
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jon S Friedland
- The Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- The International Health Unit, Section of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ymkje Stienstra
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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14
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Interventions to Improve Vaccination Uptake and Cost Effectiveness of Vaccination Strategies in Newly Arrived Migrants in the EU/EEA: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15102065. [PMID: 30241320 PMCID: PMC6210200 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Newly arrived migrants to the EU/EEA (arrival within the past five years), as well as other migrant groups in the region, might be under-immunised and lack documentation of previous vaccinations, putting them at increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases circulating in Europe. We therefore performed a systematic review conforming to PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42016045798) to explore: (i) interventions that improve vaccine uptake among migrants; and (ii) cost-effectiveness of vaccination strategies among this population. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) between 1 January 2006 to 18 June 2018. We included three primary intervention studies performed in the EU/EEA or high-income countries and one cost effectiveness study relevant to vaccinations in migrants. Intervention studies showed small but promising impact only on vaccine uptake with social mobilization/community outreach, planned vaccination programs and education campaigns. Targeting migrants for catch-up vaccination is cost effective for presumptive vaccination for diphtheria, tetanus, and polio, and there was no evidence of benefit of carrying out pre-vaccination serological testing. The cost-effectiveness is sensitive to the seroprevalence and adherence to vaccinations of the migrant. We conclude that scarce but direct EU/EEA data suggest social mobilization, vaccine programs, and education campaigns are promising strategies for migrants, but more research is needed. Research should also study cost effectiveness of strategies. Vaccination of migrants should continue to be a public heath priority in EU/EEA.
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15
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Abbas M, Aloudat T, Bartolomei J, Carballo M, Durieux-Paillard S, Gabus L, Jablonka A, Jackson Y, Kaojaroen K, Koch D, Martinez E, Mendelson M, Petrova-Benedict R, Tsiodras S, Christie D, Saam M, Hargreaves S, Pittet D. Migrant and refugee populations: a public health and policy perspective on a continuing global crisis. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2018; 7:113. [PMID: 30250735 PMCID: PMC6146746 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-018-0403-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2015-2017 global migratory crisis saw unprecedented numbers of people on the move and tremendous diversity in terms of age, gender and medical requirements. This article focuses on key emerging public health issues around migrant populations and their interactions with host populations. Basic needs and rights of migrants and refugees are not always respected in regard to article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and article 23 of the Refugee Convention. These are populations with varying degrees of vulnerability and needs in terms of protection, security, rights, and access to healthcare. Their health status, initially conditioned by the situation at the point of origin, is often jeopardised by adverse conditions along migratory paths and in intermediate and final destination countries. Due to their condition, forcibly displaced migrants and refugees face a triple burden of non-communicable diseases, infectious diseases, and mental health issues. There are specific challenges regarding chronic infectious and neglected tropical diseases, for which awareness in host countries is imperative. Health risks in terms of susceptibility to, and dissemination of, infectious diseases are not unidirectional. The response, including the humanitarian effort, whose aim is to guarantee access to basic needs (food, water and sanitation, healthcare), is gripped with numerous challenges. Evaluation of current policy shows insufficiency regarding the provision of basic needs to migrant populations, even in the countries that do the most. Governments around the world need to rise to the occasion and adopt policies that guarantee universal health coverage, for migrants and refugees, as well as host populations, in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. An expert consultation was carried out in the form of a pre-conference workshop during the 4th International Conference on Prevention and Infection Control (ICPIC) in Geneva, Switzerland, on 20 June 2017, the United Nations World Refugee Day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abbas
- Infection Control Programme and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Javier Bartolomei
- CAPPI Servette, Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Carballo
- International Centre for Migration, Health and Development, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Durieux-Paillard
- Programme Santé Migrants, Department of Community Medicine, Primary Care and Emergency Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Alexandra Jablonka
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), PARTNER Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
| | - Yves Jackson
- Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Global Health, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kanokporn Kaojaroen
- Department of Service Delivery & Safety, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Koch
- Division of Communicable Diseases, Federal Office of Public Health, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Esperanza Martinez
- Health Unit, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marc Mendelson
- Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Roumyana Petrova-Benedict
- International Organization for Migration (IOM), Migration Health Division (MHD), Regional office (RO), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sotirios Tsiodras
- 4th Department of Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control & Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - Derek Christie
- Division of environmental health, Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mirko Saam
- Communication in Science, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sally Hargreaves
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12 0HS UK
- The Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s, University of London, London, WC1E 7HU UK
| | - Didier Pittet
- Infection Control Programme and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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