Lampedusa Island hotspot is a crucial migrant health checkpoint. Is enough attention being paid?

Abstract

Abstract Background The migrant reception system in Italy operates on two levels: first and second reception centers. The first reception is carried out in collective centers -called hotspots- where newly arrived migrants are identified. Approximately, ¾ of the landings take place on Lampedusa, a small Italian island 113 km away from the Tunisian coast, that has its own hotspot. Here migrants should receive the first medical care and the first health screening and identification. The aim of this study is to understand the quality of healthcare provided at the Lampedusa hotspot. Methods A survey was conducted in April 2023 on all the 80 doctors and nurses who worked in the Lampedusa hotspot clinic between 2020 and 2022. In the first part, questions concerning their work in hotspot, experience, training before starting the task, and the actual needs of the migrant population were asked. In the second part, the focus was on available medical tools and screening for infectious diseases. Results Thirty-nine (46%) of the healthcare professionals responded to the survey, with half of them in their first work experience. Less than 40% had previously worked in a migrant assistance context. 93% of them started the job without a training course. 80% of respondents have never had access to protocols or guidelines and 80% believe that the structure is unsuitable for screening infectious diseases. Four out of 10 migrants seek treatment and ⅔ of the respondents state that there was no health screening. Conclusions These results highlight the need for health screening and treatment implementation, to prevent the spreading of infectious diseases, the development of antibiotic resistance, and the good management of economic resources. The migrant reception system in Lampedusa is highly present in the political and journalistic debate, but not as much in the scientific, as the latest publication dates back to 2015. Key messages • Lampedusa hotspot is an essential checkpoint for infectious disease and migrants’ health screening. • Migrants’ health at arrival is a public health issue that must be better tackled by the scientific community.