English
Marco Polo Prize for Medicine
Tokyo
Makiko Yui, MD M.P.H Received Marco Polo Prize for Medicine
Health needs of dependent children of Japanese expatriates topic of research
Dr Makiko Yui, Coordinating Doctor at International SOS, was awarded the Japanese Society of Travel and Health’s Marco Polo Prize for Medicine for her research paper, “Health-related risk assessment and support for dependent children of Japanese Expatriates”.
Dr Yui and her colleagues analysed the medical assistance provided by International SOS to Japanese children residing overseas, and summarised the health risk tendencies and required assistance.
The team reviewed 658 medical cases of dependents of Japanese expatriates. The main health issues identified after having moved abroad were respiratory symptoms, external injury and accidental ingestion, fever (including febrile convulsion and rash), and gastrointestinal symptoms. The paper details symptoms by age, symptoms by location of residence, and shows a summary of trends.
Dr Yui commented:
“My analysis shows the health risks faced by children residing overseas from the perspective of our assistance. For children residing overseas to live in good health, we need to understand both the emotional and physical fragility unique to children as well as the health hazards unique to their location. Above all we need to try to mitigate those risks prior to their relocation.
In the event of a health problem abroad, the quality of local medical services available may not be as high as what can be received in Japan. Therefore, it is important for doctors helping patients abroad to understand the medical standards at the location; the illnesses and accidents which may put children at risk during their stay; as well as consider whether the parents or guardians have a heightened level of anxiety due to the relocation.”
The paper was printed in the May 2016 issue of the Japanese Society of Travel and Health Journal.
International SOS is the world’s leading medical and travel security risk services company. It provides assistance to members requiring medical support in overseas. For more information, visit https://www.internationalsos.com.
About the International SOS Group of Companies
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity and sustainability.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by 12,000 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune 500, as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions and NGOs. 12,000 multicultural medical, security and logistics experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.
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