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Increasing number of foreign workers hit by dengue - is it due to poor living quarters?

Reports had revealed that out of over three thousand dengue cases, more than 1000 cases involve foreign workers, which means one in three patients is a foreign worker. When the public heard about this, some may link this problem to construction sites which are their workplace and where they spent most of their time. But statistics show that there are only 5 constructions sites in dengue areas and only about 14 cases originate from these construction sites. Hence, the number is too small to explain the sudden surge.

Another explanation for the staggering number will be their living quarters. Investigations by the National Environment Agency (NEA) had uncovered that the workers are living in cram and shabby environment. As many as eight workers are packed into one room. Furthermore, they had to share facilities like, bathroom with about 50 other workers.

The failure of the companies to provide proper and suitable housing for these workers had lead them to reside in these unsuitable conditions, leading them to be more susceptible to the disease. These workers could not object and dare not object when they are housed there. They knew that they had to oblige to the situation if they wanted to earn a living. Moreover, they are not equipped with the necessary information to tackle the disease.

Companies should be humane enough to provide at least proper housing for these workers. Though they had to cut costs and expenses, but it is morally right for them to provide the appropriate housing for them, or perhaps improve the current situation, for instance not cramming eight workers to one room and a bathroom to be shared among 50 workers. In addition, everyone should have the initiative to take the necessary measures to counter dengue including companies. They should be playing a role in this by educating the workers on the necessary measures and precautions to take to prevent the spread of dengue among workers. It is only through collective effort, the life threatening disease can then be eliminated.


With reference to the article "1 in 3 patients is a foreign worker" published in The Straits Times on June 30, 2007.

posted by Si Hui @ 5:03 PM