Congressional Hearing on Disease Outbreaks in the Middle East
January 1, 2016
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The Frame
The hearing informs federal policy and potential humanitarian funding decisions regarding the containment of disease outbreaks among 17 million people in need of assistance in the Middle East.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Refugees and IDPs in the Middle East
These populations face increased health risks from disease outbreaks due to displacement and lack of access to medical care.
U.S. Government
The government is evaluating its role in providing humanitarian aid and health policy interventions in the region.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2016.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- Approximately 470,000 people have died in Syria since 2011 due to conflict.
- Over 30,000 people have died in Iraq since 2011.
- More than 5,000 people have died in Yemen due to conflicts since 2009.
- Approximately 17 million people in the Middle East require humanitarian assistance.
- There are roughly 4 million refugees and 13 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region.
- Over 100,000 cases of leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease, have been reported in Syria, Iraq, and Libya.
- Leishmaniasis is transmitted by sandflies thriving in uncollected garbage in urban areas.
- Polio and measles have re-emerged in the region.
- A cholera epidemic was reported by the World Health Organization as beginning in Iraq.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Aleppo evil'?
Why are diseases spreading in the Middle East according to the hearing?
Why It Matters
The hearing informs federal policy and potential humanitarian funding decisions regarding the containment of disease outbreaks among 17 million people in need of assistance in the Middle East.
News Coverage
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Focus on neglected tropical diseases in conflict zones
The hearing highlights a shift toward addressing 'neglected' diseases like leishmaniasis as a direct consequence of regional instability.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy20Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz15Current news / social attention level
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