Vol. 520 No. 5
136 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on a recent survey of almost 1,000 Kosovar refugees which reveals low immunisation rates and high rates of TB and hepatitis B; and if he will make decisions as a result of recent comments by a person (details supplied) that these results have implications for screening programmes and highlight the need for better organisation and increased manpower. [16321/00]
The data to which the Deputy refers indicates that prior to arrival in Ireland 32.8% of Kosovar refugees had received BCG vaccine, 57.1% oral polio, 58.1% DTP, 6.3% Hib and 21.9% MMR. Low immunisation rates among the population was not surprising given the gradual breakdown of medical services in Kosovo since 1989. An immunisation programme which offered immunisation to all refugees was put in place.
Twelve Kosovar refugees, 1.3%, were diagnosed with tuberculosis, none of which were considered infectious. Twenty six refugees, 2.8%, were diagnosed with hepatitis B. The incidence of hepatitis B was lower than the expected rate of 5-6%.
The health boards are statutorily responsible for the control and prevention of infectious diseases. My Department has advised all health boards of the necessity to establish appropriate arrangements to offer asylum seekers screening for certain infectious diseases and, where necessary, follow-up treatment.
In recent months there has been a large increase in the number of persons applying for asylum in Ireland. In order to address these developments, three reception centres have been developed in Dublin. Medical screening is provided by the Eastern Regional Health Authority in conjunction with these centres. These arrangements will enable screening to be offered to a greater number of asylum seekers in an integrated manner during the initial reception and processing of applications phase and so facilitate maximum uptake levels.
