International SOS, one of the world’s leading medical and travel security risk services companies, has seen a 27 per cent rise in the number of calls for information and advice on malaria since 2010. Last year, the group dealt with approximately 870 malaria cases worldwide. This includes evacuations, hospitalisations, out-patient visits and requests for information, [...]

The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka

International SOS sees rise in info for malaria

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International SOS, one of the world’s leading medical and travel security risk services companies, has seen a 27 per cent rise in the number of calls for information and advice on malaria since 2010.

Last year, the group dealt with approximately 870 malaria cases worldwide. This includes evacuations, hospitalisations, out-patient visits and requests for information, a media communiqué issued by the company disclosed.

Cases are handled by medical teams and logistics experts at the 27 International SOS Assistance centres, as well as the group’s clinics and other dedicated on-site medical facilities across the world.

International SOS data shows nearly 80 per cent of travellers and expatriates who are hospitalised in extreme risk nations require a medical evacuation.

In 2013, out of all infectious illnesses, malaria was the leading cause of hospitalisation and evacuation for travellers and expatriates in Africa.

The communiqué quoted Regional Medical Director, Consulting Services, South and South East Asia at International SOS, Dr Philippe Guibert as saying, “Malaria is a key challenge that many businesses with overseas operations face. A growing number of business travellers and expatriates are being sent to countries with higher medical risks, and many more of them are requiring medical assistance”.

Travellers to Nigeria accounted for the highest number of requests for advice and information, followed by those travelling to Angola, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Mozambique Indonesia has the highest number of members requiring treatment for malaria. Men are more likely to contact International SOS about Malaria than women, he said.

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