Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde
Volume 63, Issue 9, 2007, Pages 424-430

Reception of asylum seekers in Belgium: Medical aspects [Opvang van asielzoekers in België: Medische aspecten] (Article)

Hambach R.* , François G. , Sariachvili M. , Van Damme P. , Van Hal G. , Van Sprundel M.
  • a Vakgroep Epidemiologie en Sociale Geneeskunde, Universiteit Antwerpen, Belgium, MENSURA, Externe Dienst Voor Preventie en Bescherming op Het Werk, Antwerpen, Belgium, Vakgroep Epidemiologie en Sociale Geneeskunde, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteit Antwerpen, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
  • b Vakgroep Epidemiologie en Sociale Geneeskunde, Universiteit Antwerpen, Belgium
  • c Vakgroep Epidemiologie en Sociale Geneeskunde, Universiteit Antwerpen, Belgium
  • d Vakgroep Epidemiologie en Sociale Geneeskunde, Universiteit Antwerpen, Belgium
  • e Vakgroep Epidemiologie en Sociale Geneeskunde, Universiteit Antwerpen, Belgium
  • f Vakgroep Epidemiologie en Sociale Geneeskunde, Universiteit Antwerpen, Belgium

Abstract

Both the number and the origin of asylum seekers and refugees in Belgium are subject to significant fluctuations. The country of origin strongly determines the prevalence of infectious diseases in this population. Our aim was to analyze the immigration flows, the asylum procedure, and the health problems of asylum seekers on their arrival in Belgium. In recent years an important immigration occurred in Belgium, originating from Europe (mainly the Russian Federation, the Balkans, and the Caucasus), Africa (mainly the Democratic Republic Congo), and Asia. The major health problems of asylum seekers and refugees concern tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections (such as HIV/AIDS), and intestinal parasitic infections. Also psychosocial problems frequently occur. On arrival all asylum seekers in Belgium are screened exclusively for tuberculosis. When enough indications exist, they undergo also a more thorough medical examination or blood tests. Currently no Belgian guidelines concerning the medical examination of asylum seekers as well as its specific content do exist, a systematic screening for tuberculosis excepted.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

human medical assessment tuberculosis parasitosis social psychology Human immunodeficiency virus infection mass screening Article acquired immune deficiency syndrome virus hepatitis immigration
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-34250774882&doi=10.2143%2fTVG.63.09.2000081&partnerID=40&md5=041e74dcb55f6057c80ca2232382cc06
DOI: 10.2143/TVG.63.09.2000081
ISSN: 0371683X
Cited by: 1
Original Language: Dutch