UAE: Migrant workers disporportionately at risk of dengue, as govt. favours flood-clean up in urban areas while "neglecting" migrant housing; NGO calls for improved public health
NGO FairSquare released a report in July 2024 highlighting the heightened risk of dengue fever for migrant workers in the UAE after devastating floods in April. Dengue fever cases are surging worldwide, driven by expansion of tropical climates and exacerbated flooding events owing to climate change.
Interviews with a government official, three healthcare workers and migrant workers from across the Emirates reveal mosquito breeding sites in migrants' accommodation situated in marginalised areas have been neglected. Secondarily, migrant workers who have contracted dengue have not recevied adequate healthcare. FairSquare note stagnant water providing fertile breeding grounds for mosquitos - dengue vectors - is more common in industrial areas where migrants live and work; in contrast, the clean up in urban areas was quicker.
April’s devastating floods took a severe toll on people in all parts of the UAE, the impact made worse by climate change. The aftermath has been no different. As cases of dengue have rampaged through the community, the toll on migrant workers, who live in marginalised neighbourhoods and struggle to access quality healthcare, has been particularly harsh.James Lynch, co-director of human rights group FairSquare
Migrants reported variation in accessing healthcare if neded, including differing access to information about dengue and treatment. Access reportedly depended on employers' response with workers reportly unable to afford treatment while employer's dismissed their concerns, or delayed reporting outbreaks to the authorities.
I think a big issue has been that workers have been getting sick and their managers are not helping them access the right information or healthcare help.Anonymous government official
FairSquare has called on the UAE authorities to address the diaprity in flood response, as well as to increase public health education and resources.