Summary
Background
Between February 2022, when the war in Ukraine began, and April 1, 2022, the number
of refugees to neighboring countries reached 4,137,842 people. The majority have fled
to Poland. The main challenge for the health system in Poland in this situation is
how to develop effective adaptation measures.
Aim
The aim of this study is to describe threats and challenges to public health related
in particular to infectious diseases and to identify the resources of the healthcare
system that are necessary to meet the needs of the recent war refugees and the Polish
population.
Methods
Scientific publications, statistical data from national and international organizations,
information obtained from public institutions in Poland and Ukraine, and reliable
sources of up-to-date information on the Internet were used. Key data on threats and
challenges to public health were collected and presented.
Findings
Differences were observed between Poland and Ukraine in terms of immunization programmes
and their implementation as well as in relation to the prevalence of selected infectious
diseases. The increase in demand for healthcare resources in Poland was estimated
on the basis of current indicators. Both the possibilities of counteracting epidemic
threats related to the current situation and possible consequences for the availability
of services and the health condition of all people currently staying in Poland were
presented.
Conclusion
European countries may experience public health threats due to the influx of war refugees.
The data presented could be useful for European countries while developing effective
strategies to mitigate public health issues.
KEY WORDS
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 20, 2022
Accepted:
April 4,
2022
Received:
April 3,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
