Syrian Forced Migration and Public Health in the European Union

(Hardback)

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This book highlights the elements of armed conflict that cause the re-emergence of infectious disease in conflict-affected countries and how the breakdown of public health infrastructure within a country leads to public health challenges for those in countries hosting displaced persons. By examining the connection between destruction of public health infrastructure in Syria, the re-emergence of previously controlled infectious diseases, and the impact of the Syrian forced migration on the EU, this book recommends targeted policies that the EU should enact for more effective protection of health for displaced persons and the host population.

Reviews

Drs. Blackburn and Lenze strike the right balance between explaining the tragedy of displaced Syrians and placing the disaster in context of health challenges. They make a strong case for the importance of community for the victims for the success and sustainability of health interventions." -- David Brett-Major, physician and author of A Year of Ebola
Mass migrations triggered by the Syrian conflict have raised new health issues for the Middle East and the EU, both among the displaced people and the host populations. Readers will find in this book an innovative framework to understand what contributes to health insecurity in conflict as well as a set of much needed recommendations to deal with the (re)emergence of deadly infectious diseases in the context of mass migrations. As the authors conclude very rightfully, this wont be the last major migration crisis the world will face and their book proposes to see this crisis as an opportunity to better prepare the near future. -- Elisabeth Vallet, University of Victoria
How to respond to Syrias humanitarian crisis is a conundrum the international community faces. Christy Blackburns and Paul Lenzes Syrian Forced Migration and Public Health in the European Union provides the necessary justification for intervention in the public health sector. Their unvarnished explanation of Syrias pre and post-independence ethnic divisions, coup d etats, and patronage driven leadership coupled with the global powers failure to assist explains the reasons behind the health sectors inevitable collapse. Policy makers, researchers and students should read this book to gain an understanding of why the international community, particularly the EU must use its unique public health assets to reduce the crisis and assist the Syrian people. -- Harry K. Thomas, Yale University
This is a very interesting, accessible, and well researched account of how conflict disrupts the provision of health services, focusing on the Syrian civil war. Blackburn and Lenze carefully analyze the healthcare implications of the refugee exodus from Syria for neighboring states and the European Union (EU), and offer important healthcare policy recommendations for ways to cope with large flows of refugees. The book provides an excellent explanation of the impact of conflict on healthcare provision, as well as a detailed, thoughtful examination of the EUs troubled response to the Syrian refugee crisis. -- Stephen Wright, Northern Arizona University

Author Bio

Christine Crudo Blackburn is assistant research scientist at Texas A&M University. Paul E. Lenze, Jr. is senior lecturer in the Department of Politics and International Affairs at Northern Arizona University.