Minister refutes claims of epidemic

ISTANBUL

Akdağ refutes claims that epidemic diseases had broken out in camps. AA photo

Health Minister Recep Akdağ vehemently refuted claims that epidemic diseases had broken out in camps hosting Syrian refugees yesterday.

While participating in a ceremony in Ankara Akdağ was questioned by reporters about reports that diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever had begun to sprout up at camps where Syrian refugees are staying. “The health treatment of our precious siblings who have come from Syria and who have been our guests is being done in the best way,” Akdağ said.

“We are taking pains [to do this] and there is no such epidemic situation like has been mentioned. We haven’t observed such a thing,” Akdağ said. The number of Syrian refugees who have fled the ongoing violence in their country and sought refuge in Turkey has reached 87,774. The Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate (AFAD) said Syrian citizens taking shelter in Turkey were provided with lodging, food, health services, security, social activities, education, religious services, translation services and communications.