Intestinal parasitic infections and risk factors among Myanmar migrant workers in northeast Thailand

Objective:To determine the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections in migrant workers in Nakhon Ratchasima Province,Northeast Thailand.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2017 to July 2018 in 600 Myanmar migrant workers.Questionnaires were employed for collecting the demographic data of participants.Stool samples were collected and examined using the formalinether concentration technique.Risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections were determined using multiple logistic regressions analyses.Results:The overall infection rate of intestinal parasitic infections was 27.67%(166/600).Among the intestinal helminthes observed,hookworm was most abundant(8.67%)followed by Trichuris trichiura(8.50%),Opisthorchis viverrini(4.17%),Ascaris lumbricoides(1.50%),Strogyloides stercoralis(1.17%)and Hymenolepis nana(0.5%).Meanwhile,Entamoeba coli was the most prevalent intestinal protozoa(4.33%,26/600)followed by Endolimax nana(1.33%),Entamoeba histolytica complex(1.17%),Blastocystis sp.(1.0%)and Giardia duodenalis(0.17%).The study found significant associations between gender and Strogyloides stercoralis infection(ORadj=5.61,95%CI=1.18–26.70,P=0.03),workers aged 30 years old were likely to have a lower risk of the T.trichiura infection(ORadj=0.45,95%CI=0.23–0.89).Moreover,the history of consuming raw or undercooked cyprinoid fish was a risk factor of Opisthorchis viverrini infection(ORadj=2.82,95%CI=1.22–6.49,P=0.015).Conclusions:There remains a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among Myanmar migrant workers in the study area and therefore health screenings for all migrant workers in Thailand are required.

Negotiation Strategies of Myanmar Migrant Workers in the Sidhiphatra Cold Storage Factory, Songkhla Province

This paper studies the Myanmar migrant workers in Sidhiphatra Cold Storage Factory, Songkhla Province. This factory employs just over 2,000 Myanmar migrant workers. The authors study their ＂everyday life practices＂ as expressed in relationships among various groups, such as relationships between the Myanmar migrant workers and the factory, and the relationships between the Myanmar migrant workers and the Thai people of the surrounding communities. In analyzing these relationships and negotiations, the authors borrow the concept of ＂tactics of everyday life＂ from Michel de Certeau as a framework for analysis. The authors＇ analyses are based on in-depth interviews, non-participant observations, and focus-group discussions that collectively explored the tactics, in de Certeau＇s sense, that the Myanmar migrant workers used in negotiating their relationships with the factory and with the various communities in the area. The results indicate that Myanmar migrant workers negotiate their relationship with the factory by expressing themselves as selected workers, good workers, and being obedient to the factory＇s rules. The conflicts caused by Myanmar and Cambodian migrant workers are negotiated. Besides, Myanmar migrant workers also negotiate their relationship with the Thai people living in the surrounding communities. Their approach is showing that they are part of the communities by participating in the activities with the aim to gain acceptance of the Thai people in the surrounding communities.

中缅边境地区缅籍跨境流动人员应急语言服务研究——以云南德宏州为例

中缅边境德宏段由于口岸较多,通道密集,缅籍跨境流动人员出入境频繁,务工、经商、求学、探亲、访友、跨境通婚数量庞大,“三非人员”管控难度较大,且缅籍人员多民族多语言特点,汉语沟通能力有限,易成为边境地区的语言弱势群体。基于德宏州在新冠疫情期间媒体、高校等层面提供的应急语言服务措施,提出做好缅籍人员的应急语言服务顶层设计,加强缅籍流动人员语言使用状况的调研工作及资源数据库建设,深化云南省应急语言服务人才储备机制,积极推进“简明汉语”的普及工作,增进中缅合作以构建人类命运共同体等建议。

银行数字化、缅甸移民劳工和泰缅边境贸易关系研究

据泰国劳工部报告,2021年,大约有240万移民劳工获准在泰国工作,其中三分之二的劳工来自缅甸②。几十年来,来自缅甸的大量移民劳工以及他们给家人的汇款,直接或间接地促进了泰缅边境贸易的发展。文章介绍了围绕泰缅边境贸易展开的经济活动的发展历程,分析了缅甸移民劳工的非正规渠道汇款在大规模非法边境贸易中的作用,同时探讨了数字技术取代传统非正规渠道汇款方式的可能性。文章所呈现的数据是通过半结构式访谈的方式收集的,访谈对象包括32位在泰国龙仔厝府工作、生活的缅甸移民劳工,9位来自湄索的泰国边境贸易商,若干位政府官员以及1家在缅甸运营的泰国金融科技公司。访谈结果显示,尽管新技术所带来的新的汇款方式有可能取代非正规的汇款方式,但缅甸移民劳工仍倾向于选择会带来社会效益的传统汇款方式。银行系统和金融服务的数字化不仅强化了非正规银行系统,也促进并改善了资金分配的过程。

Socioeconomic and behavioural determinants of malaria among the migrants in gold mining,rubber and oil palm plantation areas in Myanmar

Background:Malaria is a major public health problem in Myanmar.Migrant populations are at high risk of contracting malaria and its control is more difficult than for settled population.Studies on malaria and migration are rare in Myanmar.This study was undertaken with the main objective of identifying socioeconomic and behavioural determinants of malaria among the migrant workers involved in gold mining,rubber and oil palm plantations.Methods:A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted using pretested interview-administered questionnaires among internal migrants(n=406)in the malaria endemic townships of Shwegyin,Bago Region,Thanbyuzayat,Mon State and Kawthaung,Taninthayi Region from August to November,2015.Data were collected by well-trained Basic Health Staff members in study areas,and then analysed by SPSS version 16.0 using Chi-square tests with significant level at 0.05.Results:Majority of participants were male,Bahmar nationals,married and with primary basic education level and below.The mean duration of migratory work was 4.51 years.43.1%of them gave definite previous history of malaria within last two years during migration.92.9%(377/406)of them always used bed nets.Malaria determinants found were male gender(OR=1.84,95%CI:1.22-2.77;P=0.0040),habit of going out at dawn(OR=2.36,95%CI:1.58-3.52;P<0.001),usual sleeping indoors(OR=2.14,95%CI:1.04-4.42;P=0.036),torn bed net or net with large hole(s)(OR=2.0,95%CI:1.21-3.3;P=0.006),habit of not always sleeping under a bed net at night(OR=2.02,95%CI:1.15-3.52;P=0.014),alcohol drinking(OR=2.71,95%CI:1.73-4.26;P<0.001)and failure to attend malaria health talk(OR=1.78,95%CI:1.2-2.65;P=0.004).Conclusions:The present study highlighted that it is warranted to launch an effective health education programme for malaria,and to encourage the proper use of insecticide-treated bed nets,blankets and/or mufflers and mosquito repellents to reduce the occurrence of malaria among the migrants.

缅甸中、印移民同化问题比较分析

移民同化于当地是一种多维的社会互动过程,其表现和影响因素是多方面的。近代以来迁移缅甸的华人和印度移民同化于当地的情况是不同的。本文从语言、宗教信仰、生活习俗和族际通婚四个方面概述了华人和印度人的同化情况,认为华人比印度人更快同化于当地。本文也分析了影响二者同化程度不同的原因,认为主要是二者在人口、经济、移民性质、宗教信仰、种姓、偏见、体质等七个方面的差异所致。作者指出,上述七个影响因素并不单独具有绝对的解释力,它们相互交织,彼此作用,形成影响华人和印度人同化情况不同的合力。

“为了这个家”:缅甸大其力华人之家的情感、道德与社会交往

以缅甸大其力华人家庭为个案,关注在缅甸边境谋生的华人生活境况。通过分析“家”对于华人个体的情感与道德构建及社会交往原则的影响,勾勒在缅甸边境生活的华人“家庭主义”,为理解缅甸边境移民城市中的华人生活提供新的视角。“为了这个家”的道德原则与对“家散”的焦虑,既沿袭了传统汉人社会秉持的儒家伦理道德观,也是华人家庭在缅甸边境的社会生活中的道德实践。不同于乔尔·罗宾斯所述的同一群体因文化接触而在实践两套文化逻辑的过程中陷入道德困境;“为了这个家”的价值观是华人在异质性社会的生活实践中对道德冲突的整合方式。

Effectiveness and impact of the crossborder healthcare model as implemented by non-governmental organizations: case study of the malaria control programs by health poverty action on the ChinaMyanmar border

Background:In the Yunnan province of China,18 counties in six prefectures border Myanmar.Due to its particular combination of geographic features,climate conditions,and cultural landscape,the area provides a suitable environment for the spread of insect-borne diseases such as malaria.In five identified Myanmar Special Regions along the China-Myanmar border,economic development is lagging,people live in extreme poverty,and the healthcare system is fragile.Coupled with political and other reasons,this precludes malaria control work to be effectively carried out in Myanmar,resulting in a heavy burden of the disease.Frequent population movements and favorable conditions for malaria transmission on the border fuel difficulties in controlling and eliminating the spread of the disease in the area.Case presentation:To reduce the prevalence of malaria in the China-Myanmar border area and improve healthcare services for local residents in this particular environment,Health Poverty Action(HPA)has provided malaria aid in the area since the beginning of 2006,as a sub-recipient of the China Global Fund Malaria Programs.In this case study,we examined HPA’s activities as part of its malaria control programs in the area,analyzed and summarized the effectiveness and impact of the cross-border healthcare model as implemented by non-governmental organizations,and put forward suggestions for cross-border health aid models and for the prevention of malaria transmission in the Greater Mekong Subregion.Conclusions:HPA had carried out a great quantity of successful malaria control activities in border areas between China and Myanmar,strengthened the partnership and established the collaboration,coordination and cooperation channels among stakeholders.HPA has laid good groundwork and developed its valuable model that could be highlighted and referenced.

Assessment of malaria control consultation and service posts in Yunnan, P. R. China

Background:This paper seeks to assess the function of malaria control consultation and service posts(MCCSPs)that are located on the border areas of Yunnan province,P.R.China,as a strategy for eliminating malaria among the mobile and migrant population in these areas.Methods:A retrospective descriptive analytical study was conducted.Blood smear examinations conducted at all MCCSPs in Yunnan from 2008 to 2014 were analysed.A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2014 to understand how the MCCSPs function and to elucidate the quality of the blood smear examinations that they conduct.Results:Out of the surveyed MCCSPs,66%(39/59),22%(13/59),and 12%(7/59)were attached to local township hospitals,village health clinics,and the county centre for disease control and prevention or private clinics,respectively.More than 64%(38/59)of the posts’staff were part-time workers from township hospitals and village health facilities.Less than 31%(18/59)of the posts’staff were full-time workers.A total of 35 positive malaria cases were reported from seven MCCSPs in 2014.Four MCCSPs were unable to perform their functions due to under staffing in 2014.There was a small fluctuation in blood smear examinations from January 2008 to June 2009,with two peaks during the period from July 2009 to October 2010.The number of blood smear examinations has been increasing since 2011.The yearly mean number of blood smear examinations in each post increased from 44 per month in 2011 to 109 per month in 2014,and the number of positive malaria cases detected by blood smear examinations has declined(χ^(2)=90.67,P=0.000).The percentage of people from Yingjiang county getting blood smear examinations increased between 2008 and 2014,while percentages of the mobile population including Myanmar people,people from other provinces,and people from other Yunnan counties getting blood smear examinations decreased.Conclusion:MCCSPs face challenges in the phase of malaria elimination in Yunnan,China.New case detection strategies should be designed for MCCSPs taking into account the current trends of migration.

缅甸的女儿：跨境女性移工在瑞丽的汇款实践与情感连接

边境地区的跨国人口流动,是一种特殊的迁徙形式。本文聚焦缅甸女性移工作为原生家庭女儿的身份,考察她们在中国边城瑞丽的汇款实践,发现具有政策弹性和地理连接性的边境空间,为其提供了在地与跨国资源,使未婚与已婚女性都与留守家庭保持着紧密的经济和情感往来,构成独特的汇款图景。汇款使低收入女性面临更大的生存压力,她们借助跨国的原乡社会、族群、亲属和家庭网络,以及便利的出入境行动来应对日常困境,并通过手机联络家人,获取情感支持。伴随汇款的生产与传递,还产生了边境社会的多维互动,连接着跨境女性与原乡社会、在地移民群体,以及当地中国人,促进了两国民众的相互理解和情感交流。透过汇款,不仅可以认识跨境女性在跨国社会中的贡献,更能观察到中国边境地区的发展给毗邻国家带来的积极影响。