Health Ministry Urges Vigilance Against Potential Introduction of Crimea-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever and Chikungunya in Belarus by Pakistani Travelers
The Health Ministry in Belarus is sounding the alarm over the planned mass immigration of Pakistani citizens, warning of potential outbreaks of several infectious diseases.
According to a recent note sent by the Deputy Minister of Health and Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Belarus, S. Nechai, the following diseases pose a significant risk if introduced into the country:
- Poliomyelitis
- Typhoid fever
- Measles
- Cholera
- Malaria
- Dengue fever
- Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever
- Chikungunya fever
To protect the population, the Ministry of Health is advocating for mandatory laboratory testing and vaccination of the migrants, using funds from the state budget. These measures are supported by Decree No. 202 of May 21, 2025, "On Enhancing the Role of Employers in the Field of External Labor Migration," signed by Lukashenko.
The estimated cost for testing and vaccinating one labor migrant is 460 rubles, bringing the total cost for the proposed number of migrants (150,000 people) to around 69 million rubles. An additional 300,000 rubles is needed for the purchase of measles vaccine from the Russian Federation.
In the past, Lukashenko has mentioned plans to invite up to 150,000 migrants from Pakistan to Belarus.
Insights:
When calculating the costs of mandatory tests and vaccinations, various factors must be taken into account:
- Laboratory testing costs can range from $10 to $50 per test, depending on the complexity.
- Vaccination costs also vary, with basic vaccinations like MMR costing around $50 to $100 per dose, while more complex vaccines might cost between $20 to $100 per dose.
- Additional costs include infrastructure, personnel, logistics, and coordination.
A rough estimate for the testing and vaccination of 150,000 migrants would be between $10.5 million to $22.5 million. However, these figures could change based on factors such as the range of tests and vaccines used, existing infrastructure, and logistical expenses.
- The ongoing political discussions in Belarus involve reviewing policy-and-legislation regarding health-and-wellness, with a focus on the mandatory testing and vaccination of migrants due to concerns about medical-conditions like various infectious diseases, such as poliomyelitis and measles.
- In light of the potential influx of Pakistanis and the related medical-risks, including cholera and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, science plays a significant role in anticipating and managing these issues, by providing data on these diseases' transmission, prevention strategies, and potential impacts on Belarus's population.
- General-news outlets in Belarus and beyond report on the ongoing debates surrounding the immigration policy, emphasizing the costs associated with the testing and vaccination of the planned 150,000 migrants, which are estimated to range from $10.5 million to $22.5 million, considering factors like laboratory fees, vaccination cost, and logistical expenses.
