SUDAN : Environmental and Health Risks to personnel to be deployed to Sudan : pre-deployment assessment

Authors:

  • Waleij Annica
  • Edlund Christina
  • Holmberg Martin
  • Lesko Birgitta
  • Liljedahl Birgitta
  • Lindblad Anders
  • Melin Lena
  • Normark Magnus
  • Sandström Björn
  • Sedig Magnus
  • Sundström Sture
  • Westerdahl Kristina S

Publish date: 2004-01-01

Report number: FOI-R--1218--SE

Pages: 75

Written in: English

Abstract

At the request of the Swedish Armed Forces (MUST), the Swedish Defence Research Agency, the Division of NBC Defence, has conducted a preliminary overview of the existence of NBC or environmental health risks, to which military and civilian personnel deployed to Sudan may be exposed. It has proven difficult to obtain confirmed, detailed information about the country of Sudan and assessment and data at this stage might be lacking or not fully evaluated. Therefore, it is important that the information is continuously updated. The study deals with EIHH & PHC (Environmental and Industrial Health Hazards and Public Health Concerns), NBC threats, NBC terrorism, mines and unexploded ordnance, criminality and diseases. In general, the greatest risks concerning Swedish personnel deployed to Sudan are; food and waterborne infections, vector borne infections and respiratory infections. Mines and unexploded ordnance, the climate (heat/humidity), traffic and crime are also factors posing risks, unless adequate precautions are taken. NBC related health risks will most likely pose only a limited threat to personnel stationed in Sudan. It cannot be ruled out that risk of EIHH related exposure might occur in some localities.