Corona virus disease 2019 pandemic: Addressing the needs of refugees and migrants in the european region

Abstract

The Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has influenced the lives of millions of people across the world and forced all the public health authorities to divert their attention towards the disease. The refugees and migrants have been recognized as vulnerable population groups and it is a must that in general, we should try to meet the needs of these population groups in this ongoing pandemic. Considering the practical concerns pertaining to the difficulty in accessing health care or residing in overcrowded settings or poor water supply, it makes them extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, as all these factors play an important role in enhancing the transmission of the disease. The need of the hour is to prevent the possibility of stigma and discrimination and ensure that reliable and timely information is passed to them through trustworthy resources. Further, all steps should be taken to inform them about the need to maintain social distancing, use of personal protective equipment and strict adherence to the infection prevention and control recommendations. In conclusion, in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, the refugees and migrants deserve equal priority and attention like that of the general population. However, considering their vulnerability to acquire the infection due to varying environmental and social attributes, it becomes crucial to facilitate early detection and isolation of the cases and thereby interrupt the chain of transmission and thus reduce the overall caseload.