A study on influenza pandemic preparedness among Sudanese migrants
living in greater Cairo has found that access to health care
remains a major challenge in preparing for such a public health
crisis in Egypt.

The study, commissioned by IOM and carried out by the Centre for
Migration and Refugee Studies (CMRS) at the American University in
Cairo, found that of the more than 1,000 Sudanese migrants it
surveyed, more than 47 per cent of them did not have regular access
to health care services with a further 6.1 per cent having only
occasional access.

In the event of a pandemic or any other public health crisis,
the survey revealed that more than 20 per cent of the respondents
would seek medical assistance or advice from non-health
professionals such as religious and community leaders, neighbours
and authorities. 

The findings will be presented in detail at a seminar on 22
October organized by CMRS. Attended by a host of civil society and
international organizations, the seminar will focus on examining
ways to improve primary health care access for migrant and host
communities in Egypt as part of efforts to prevent and control
communicable diseases such as Avian influenza in the country.

Egypt has the highest rates of infection and deaths from Avian
flu outside of Asia with 50 confirmed cases, 22 of which have been
fatal. The disease has mostly hit rural areas in Egypt so far and
although birds are not supposed to be raised in urban areas, people
often do, mainly on rooftops.

The country is currently host to anywhere between 2.2 and four
million Sudanese migrants, with the vast majority concentrated in
Cairo and representing the largest foreign population in Egypt.

The study, part of a one-year IOM pandemic preparedness
programme in Egypt and funded through the Central Fund for
Influenza Action (CFIA), also helped determine the migrants'
knowledge of the virus and their practices and beliefs. The survey
found that although nearly 97 per cent had heard of Avian influenza
through the media or friends, none had in-depth knowledge of risk
factors or prevention measures.

The information collected during the survey has been used to
create specific education and communication materials to prepare
communities against Avian flu and which will also be disseminated
during the meeting. 

For further information, please contact:

Roberto Pitea

IOM Cairo

Tel: +2 012 3125886

Email: "mailto:rpitea@iom.int">rpitea@iom.int