New compendium showcases positive examples in refugee and migrant health – World Health Organization (WHO)
A new WHO compendium of 49 country case examples, Promoting the health of refugees and migrants: experiences from around the world, developed by the Health and Migration Programme is released illustrating positive steps taken in countries towards better health outcomes for the one billion people on the move.
Based on voluntary submissions by governments and partners, the publication showcases how countries with varying health systems and challenges have implemented policies in line with the WHO Global Action Plan (WHO GAP) on promoting the health of refugees and migrants 2019-2023.
“This new compendium highlights promising practices in delivering care to refugees and migrants to ensure they can enjoy the right to health wherever and whenever they go, like anyone else,” said Dr Santino Severoni, WHO Director of Health and Migration Programme.
“Our work for better health outcomes for all is far from finished. The WHO GAP extension to be discussed at the upcoming World Health Assembly provides us with a new opportunity and momentum to tackle public health challenges faced by populations’ movement if we are to achieve universal health coverage for all, including refugees and migrants.”
The impact of migration and displacement on the health of refugees and migrants is undeniable and leads to health inequities.
The compendium illustrates innovative examples from a range of countries that have formulated and adopted national health strategies, policies, and programmes tackling the root causes of ill-health for refugees and migrants, including those critical social determinants that can negatively influence health. Some examples include:
This compendium lays out policy considerations for high-level decision makers and partners working in refugee and migrant health through proven country experiences.
It shows we can and should make significant strides towards achieving a safer, healthier, and fairer world, if we can mainstream care for refugees and migrants into broader public plans with a long-term perspective in line with the WHO GAP, and support action through long-term collaborations and partnerships in and across countries.
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Health and Migration Programme
Refugee and migrant health (Health topic)
Refugee and migrant health (Q&A)
Promoting the health of refugees and migrants: global action plan, 2019–2023
