※ [本文轉錄自 NTULabor 看板]
作者: KarlMarx (反戰保衛穆斯林！) 看板: NTULabor
標題: [轉錄]Protecting Migrant Workers Against SARS
時間: Thu May 1 03:45:53 2003
本文轉錄自台灣外勞行動 Taiwan Migrants' Forum
http://www.twblog.net/migrants/archives/000329.html
讓外勞也免受SARS威脅--Protecting Migrant Workers Against SARS
正當國內SARS疫情在和平醫院封院與媒體強力渲染之下變得沸
沸湯湯之際，國內的外勞工作者已經主動積極的提出外勞在SARS
中的更為弱勢的狀態，並且要求給予外勞更多協助（參見台灣
國際勞工協會外勞防治SARS宣導活動以及防疫保護不分國界 和
平醫院防疫莫忘外勞兩篇文章）。這篇由CARAM Asia在四月十一
日發表的新聞稿裡，其實就對外勞在SARS當中的處境做了更清楚
的闡述，也提出了極為明確的要求。
CARAM Asia是一個總部設在馬來西亞吉隆坡的非政府機構，主要
目的在透過各種行動與方案，讓各國的外籍勞工免於愛滋病的威
脅。
出處：CARAM Asia
http://www.caramasia.gn.apc.org
Protecting Migrant Workers Against SARS
Kuala Lumpur, April 11, 2003 - The World Health Organization
(WHO) is continuing to investigate the outbreak of the
unexplained atypical pneumonia referred to as Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). SARS, which was first reported
among people in Guangdong Province (China), Hanoi (Vietnam),
and Administrative Region of China has since spread to 16
countries.
To date, a cumulative total of 2,781 cases, with 111 deaths
were reported from 17 countries by the World Health Organization.
A system of alert and response for early detection and reporting
of all emerging and epidemic-prone diseases is being highlighted
through the media. It is important to increase awareness of the
population and health care staff of the characteristic symptoms
and the need to seek prompt medical attention.
In the case of migrant workers, to date the Hong Kong News dated
April 6, 2003 has reported one death of a Filipino domestic worker.
Adelina Dalingay died from the killer virus on March 19.
There were also reports of 8 probable cases in Singapore involving
Filipino healthcare workers comprising of medical doctors, nurses
and healthcare assistants who have since been treated and discharged
from hospital. A source from the Philippines Embassy in Singapore
stated today that 3 new probable cases involving Filipino migrants
have been reported.
With the growing numbers of suspected cases being reported, it is
important to take into consideration the impact on migrant workers
who live under circumstances where they do not have access to
appropriate health information and services. In some cases, the
information disseminated may not even be in a language familiar to
the migrant. Policies impeding access to health care as in Malaysia
where differential pricing requires migrants to pay 'double fees',
or restrictions by employers to seek treatment,
are barriers to protection of health that migrants have to contend
with.
The vulnerability of foreign migrant domestic workers is even greater.
The isolated and individualized conditions of their work in a private
sphere often compromises the enforcement and protection of their rights,
including health rights.
CARAM Asia calls on governments, health care providers, employers and
all bodies and agencies involved with migrants to take necessary measures
and steps to include migrant workers in the local and national responses
to address SARS. Among these it is important that migrant workers,
1. Have access to timely information and in a language that they can
comprehend.
2. Have access to treatment if there are impending symptoms of SARS.
They must be allowed to see a medical practitioner who can then advise
them on how to take care of themselves and what precautions need to
be taken.
We especially urge the Ministries of Health in destination countries
to waive the medical fees imposed on migrant workers who need to seek
treatment as this is a global epidemic.
3. Recognizing the possibility of airborne transmission and the
possibility that objects that become contaminated in the environment
could serve as modes of spread of the disease, measures must also be
taken to maintain safe and healthy living conditions for migrant workers
to curb the possibility of infection.
We especially call on destination countries that employ foreign health
care providers, to not take advantage of migrant workers and compel
them to be solely responsible for the health care provision of SARS
patients.
Yours sincerely,
Sharuna Verghis
Regional Coordinator
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