Communicable diseases (CDs) among expatriate workers in Gulf countries pose a health threat and are a concern for healthcare providers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), say experts. Doctors called for stricter screening methods and tighter public health laws at the Arab Health Congress this week.

Reported in The National, labour camps for expat workers have been identified as breeding grounds for infectious diseases. Health experts at the Congress spoke of increased awareness of personal hygiene, enforcement of labour laws, and free medical treatment for all workers.

Labour camps in the UAE are often overcrowded, and lack adequate sanitation, clean water and sewage systems, making them ripe breeding grounds for CDs.

“The spread of communicable diseases among migrant workers can be fatal and the effects can be wide-ranging,” said Dr Wasif Alam, director of Dubai Health Authority’s public health and safety department.

He also called for simple hygiene education among workers such as hand-washing, which alone could help stop the spread of disease in the camps. Malaria, TB, scabies, hepatitis B and C, STDs, and food poisoning are some of the most commonly reported CDs in Dubai.

Reports state there are often six workers to one room, with little or no ventilation, and no isolation if someone falls sick. “There are laws to protect workers,” Dr Alam said. “Much of the laws have not been implemented.”

In addition to the threat to workers’ physical health, illness takes a mental toll, as blue-collar workers fear deportation, or losing their jobs so they do not seek treatment. The issue affects the whole region as there are 17 million expat workers in the GCC countries.

In 2012 the GCC introduced health screenings for workers in their home countries, which brought the incidence of disease down from 20 percent to seven percent, reported the Khaleej Times.

“In terms of regulations, I think we have enough here. I think we need to concentrate more on the design of that system and implementing the regulations,” said Dr Farida Al Hosani, manager of the communicable diseases department at the Health Authority Abu Dhabi.

Strong enforcement of labour laws would ensure workers’ treatment was free, that they had access to clean drinking water, adequate accommodation, and vaccines were administered where necessary.

Reproduced by kind permission of expathealth.org

Major considerations for people moving abroad include job security, reliable insurance, and economic stability according to an international survey. The results show availability of reliable health insurance was more important than schools or pensions for those thinking about relocating overseas.

The survey of 7,750 individuals in 12 countries asked respondents to consider the “safety aspects” of emigrating – 22% said insurance coverage for illness and disability, compared with 20% who identified pensions, and only 14% who chose schools as the most important aspect. The most important considerations for a move abroad were job security (43%), a low crime rate (39%), and political stability (28%).

Australians and Mexicans were the least concerned about health insurance, only 10% identified it as a major consideration, preferring instead to worry about a low crime rate. Austrians on the other hand were the most concerned about the availability of health insurance (49% of 500 respondents) than any other factors.

Most popular expat destinations

North America was ranked as the most appealing destination, with 31% of people saying it would be their prefered choice. Australia and New Zealand came second (29%), while over a quarter (28%) of respondents opted for Germany, Austria or Switzerland, and 24% chose Nordic countries.

It’s not surprising that Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are the most popular European destinations, as the state of the economy and job opportunities are among the most important considerations for people moving abroad. Nearly half (49%) of those surveyed selected better employment prospects or unemployment as a motivating factor for moving abroad.

Reproduced with kind permission of expathealth.org

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After health successes in 2013 such as the Million Hearts programme aiming to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017, and a successful nationwide anti-smoking ad campaign, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified five health threats going into 2014.

Antibiotic resistance

Each year in the USA more than two million people contract antibiotic resistant infections with 23,000 dying as a result, according to CDC figures. These infections are particularly dangerous for those with compromised immune systems, including those with cancer, kidney failure or people with transplanted organs.

The CDC has identified four steps to combat antibiotic resistance, and in 2014 will work closely with local authorities to improve antibiotic use and track the spread of resistant infections.

Emergence of new diseases

The CDC is making disease detection a priority at home and abroad in 2014. Only one in five countries has the technology to detect and fight emerging infections, says the CDC’s director Dr Tom Frieden.

In 2013, the CDC identified the new Heartland virus, carried by ticks, in northwest Missouri. They also helped public health officials in the Republic of Georgia isolate a new disease related to smallpox, which was infecting shepherds in the country, writes Expathealth.org

Globalisation of travel and food supplies

Diseases thought to be eradicated in the US have made a comeback thanks to lower immunisation rates, and the spread of global travel. In 2013, measles cases doubled to 175, almost all linked to foreign travel.

Disease can spread anywhere in the world within 24 hours, said Frieden. Prevention of many, like measles, only works if the majority of the population are vaccinated. The CDC is working with state health departments and colleagues around the world to promote immunisation programmes for polio, measles and other preventable diseases.

Misuse of prescription drugs

The CDC reports deaths from prescription painkillers have reached “epidemic levels” over the last decade, with more than 16,500 people killed by painkiller overdoses in 2010. The annual number of deaths from these drugs exceeds the number from heroin and cocaine combined.

In 2014 the CDC will continue working to prevent the overdose, misuse, and abuse of prescription drugs while helping patients access safe, effective pain relief.

Vaccination programmes

Polio is closer than ever to being eradicated worldwide, but challenges such as military conflict, and bans on immunisations mean work still needs to be done to reach communities most at risk. The CDC and Global Polio Eradication Initiative will continue to run local immunisation programmes to reach the two million children in high-risk areas.

Studying in another country is one of the best and coolest ways to travel and learn about other cultures—and maybe the subjects of the classes you’re taking. Not only do you get to use the “it’s for school” excuse, but you also get to explore a new city (your college town is probably so lame by now anyway), try new things, and see the world from a perspective outside of the bubble that is your college campus.

But as you make sure to pack plenty of clothes and maybe a textbook or two, you should also equip yourself with some important safety tips before you leave.

To ensure you have a trip that’s both awesome and safe, here’s what you should know, suggests the healthytravelblog.com

• Learn about the culture. It’s important to learn the local norms, customs, and even general laws before you visit any country for the first time. This will help you stay safe, blend in, and even gain respect from the locals and make new friends.
• Know what’s going on. Stay updated on current events in the local area and country in which you’ll be staying. You may need to take extra precaution if there’s political unrest in certain areas, upcoming major events, etc.
• Travel in groups. Always travel with at least one other person when abroad. While you shouldn’t go anywhere alone, tell your friends where you’ll be going if you do, even if it’s just to the café down the street. And above all, don’t go off with strangers.
• Blend in. The best way to fit in with the locals and avoid being targeted by pickpockets is to blend in as much as possible. Don’t wear flashy clothes or jewelry, and dress modestly if the locals do. Keep your camera and other electronics out of sight.
• Be aware. For your safety, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you see anything or anyone out of the ordinary, try taking an alternate route and leaving the area.
• Food and water safety. Before arriving at your destination, find out if the tap water is safe to drink. If not, only drink purified or bottled water. You should also skip the ice and avoid fresh fruits and vegetables, which are often washed in tap water.
• Road safety. Many roads in the developing world can be extremely hazardous. Crashes can be common in some countries due to undeveloped infrastructure or, frequently, no real code of conduct for drivers (don’t assume drivers will stop at stop signs!). Since getting from one place to another can be dangerous, be sure to practice these road safety tips.
• Emergency contacts. Carry a card with a list of emergency contacts with you at all times during your trip. Also, be sure to keep your professors on the trip and contacts at home updated on your whereabouts. Your contacts at home should also have a copy of your passport, visa, and other important documents.
• Visit your doctor before traveling. You should go at least two weeks before your trip and find out if you need to be vaccinated for any common diseases or illnesses. If you take a prescription medication, make sure you bring an extra prescription in case you need more during your stay.
• Purchase travel insurance. Your school very likely requires you to have travel insurance anyway. The best policies will also plug you in to a network of healthcare providers that make it easier to navigate the health system when you’re in another country.

Long security lines, delayed or cancelled flights, and running to your terminal before the plane leaves without you—need I say more? writes the healthytravelblog.com

But to make things a little less hectic, some airports have found ways to create peaceful environments for weary travelers. While it may sound like a utopian dream, we hope other airports take note of these relaxing perks:

Spas: Airports such as Vancouver International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and the Dubai International Airport have all invested in luxury spas where travelers can rejuvenate their body and soul with a soothing massage or other spa treatment. Some airports also feature hairdressers and nail salons as well.

Yoga Studios: The San Francisco International Airport is one of many that have now transformed surplus storage areas into yoga rooms. This is a great way to get the blood flowing and help refresh your body physically and mentally, especially before hopping on a long flight.

Meditation Rooms: The Frankfurt Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport each offer non-denominational meditation rooms for travelers who seek a quiet and tranquil place. It’s a great way for passengers to relax before a flight, or even say a quick prayer for patience before going through security lines.

Art Galleries: The T5 Gallery at Heathrow Airport is an award-winning artistic experience that features artwork of young artists from all over the world, as well as an impressive sculpture at the center of it. And if you fall in love with a piece, you can even buy it!

Lounges and Sleep Areas: In addition to luxury lounges that are available to all passengers, many airports also feature sleep areas that travelers can reserve for a few hours. In these rooms, people can rest, get work done, and even refresh with a shower.

Casinos: If you’re in the mood to unwind with a little roulette, the casino at Frankfurt Airport is the place to be. If roulette isn’t your thing, opt for a game of Black Jack or hit the slot machines.

Enhanced Security Area: The TSA recently teamed up with Dallas/Fort Worth Airport to test a revamped security area that aims to provider passengers with a more relaxing environment at security checkpoints. Featuring lounge seating and screens that display real-time wait times, the upgraded security area also has relaxing music, ambient lighting, and even a more interesting interior design—a real change from the dull, white-walled checkpoint areas. They even have a ‘re-composure’ area where travelers can re-pack their belongings and relax after the security process is over.