Close X
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
ADVT 
International

Five Things To Know About The Health Of Newly Arrived Syrian Refugees

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 29 Mar, 2016 11:19 AM
    OTTAWA — The latest issue of the Canadian Communicable Disease Report examined the health of the 26,166 Syrian refugees who arrived in Canada between Nov. 4, 2015 and Feb. 29, 2016.
     
    The report was published by the Public Health Agency of Canada and is the first comprehensive look at the status of the entire group. 
     
    Here are five things to know:
     
    1. All Syrians were screened before they were accepted to come to Canada. While all would-be immigrants, including refugees, must have a medical exam, the Syrians were examined on the same day as their interviews and security checks were done, in order to speed up the process. They also didn't have to pay for the exams, a standard cost for most others hoping to come to Canada.
     
     
    2. None of those accepted arrived with illnesses considered a serious danger to public health. Of the Syrians accepted, only two had possible cases of non-infectious tuberculosis. None tested positive for HIV or syphilis. About a third of the children who arrived in Toronto had common viral illnesses. There was also a flu outbreak among 450 Syrians who arrived in Edmonton in late January.
     
    3. There were some surprises. While the United Nations had told Canada that the Syrians could have high medical needs, those needs weren't specified. It has since emerged that some children arrived with conditions ranging from seizures to childhood cancers. Some were malnourished and others were noted to have intellectual disabilities.
     
     
    4. There are still big question marks around long-term needs. The study notes that many refugees don't report chronic conditions for fear they won't be accepted. It estimates around five per cent may have chronic conditions that will reveal themselves over time. Mental health also remains an issue. "Post-traumatic stress disorder is likely to emerge over the long term, as refugees become settled in their new lives and are able to mentally process the stresses of war, displacement and loss," the report says.
     
     
    5. Health-care costs were covered immediately upon arrival. The Syrians were officially Canadian permanent residents when they landed, so the complex matrix of coverage under the Interim Federal Heath Program didn't apply to those who came as government-assisted refugees. The Liberals did agree to cover extended health-care costs for privately sponsored Syrians, who, under the previous Conservative government were not covered for things like dental or prescription drugs.

    MORE International ARTICLES

    Former Pakistani Diplomat Husain Haqqani Not To Attend Delhi Litfest

    Former Pakistani Diplomat Husain Haqqani Not To Attend Delhi Litfest
    Citing visa issue as the reason for Haqqani's absence, organisers said that noted Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin will fill his place in the festival.

    Former Pakistani Diplomat Husain Haqqani Not To Attend Delhi Litfest

    Donald Trump Considers Paying Legal Bills For Man Charged At Rally

    Donald Trump Considers Paying Legal Bills For Man Charged At Rally
    When asked whether he'd financially back the supporter, who was arrested and charged with assault, Trump says he's "instructed my people to look into it, yes."

    Donald Trump Considers Paying Legal Bills For Man Charged At Rally

    Stolen Ancient Jain, Hindu Statues Worth $450,000 Seized In USA

    Stolen Ancient Jain, Hindu Statues Worth $450,000 Seized In USA
    The statues seized Friday by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents in "Operation Hidden Idol" were of Rishabhanata, the first Jain Thirthankar, and of Revanta, a son of God Surya

    Stolen Ancient Jain, Hindu Statues Worth $450,000 Seized In USA

    Donald Trump Calls Off Rally Due To Security Concerns

    Donald Trump Calls Off Rally Due To Security Concerns
    Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump cancelled one of his signature rallies on Friday, calling off the event due to safety concerns after protesters packed the arena where he was scheduled to speak.

    Donald Trump Calls Off Rally Due To Security Concerns

    Family Of Teacher Jailed In Indonesia Says Federal Officials Taking Case Seriously

    Family Of Teacher Jailed In Indonesia Says Federal Officials Taking Case Seriously
    Last month Indonesia's high court overturned Neil Bantleman's acquittal of charges of sexually abusing children and he was put back in prison.

    Family Of Teacher Jailed In Indonesia Says Federal Officials Taking Case Seriously

    Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau, Michelle Obama Team Up To Promote Education For Women, Girls

    Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau, Michelle Obama Team Up To Promote Education For Women, Girls
     The meeting of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Barack Obama wasn't the only mutual admiration society on display Thursday in Washington.

    Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau, Michelle Obama Team Up To Promote Education For Women, Girls