Migration and health: targeting highly prevalent infections from Sub-Saharan Africa

Infections are an important part of migrant health. Detecting infections could prevent potentially severe acute and chronic conditions in migrants. Migration from countries in Sub-Saharan Africa has increased. Screening programmes therefore need to address infections that are highly prevalent in this region.

Despite high parasite prevalence in endemic areas, malaria, schistosomiasis and strongyloides are not included in the current screening program for migrants and evidence-based guidelines are needed.

In a recent study in Sweden, we detected an unexpectedly high malaria parasite prevalence in asymptomatic migrants screened at migrant health facilities with 9% prevalence overall, and up to 35% in children. Clinical observation when assessed for treatment, have detected health issues in parasite positive individuals.

This project aims at establishing the need for a screening program, including exploring the parasite prevalence and health effects in migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as developing a diagnostic platform and time frame for screening.

Moreover, we will perform a pilot clusterd randomised trial to assess the impact and feasibility of screening compared to standard of care without screening. Evaluation of introducing a screening program will include feasibility, acceptability and cost-effectiveness.

The project has the potential to guide screening strategies and make significant contributions to improved health in migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa.