WHO: More Countries Including Refugees & Migrants in Health Policies – New Report
A Shift Towards Inclusive Healthcare for Refugees and Migrants
More than 60 countries – two-thirds of those surveyed by the World Health Organization (WHO) – are now incorporating the health needs of refugees and migrants into their national health policies and laws, marking a significant step towards more inclusive healthcare systems globally. This progress, detailed in a new WHO report, establishes a crucial baseline for tracking improvements in providing healthcare access to a population often facing unique vulnerabilities. Over 1 billion people worldwide – more than 1 in 8 globally – are currently refugees or migrants, a demographic whose health is intrinsically linked to broader societal well-being.
The Complex Health Landscape of Migration
The reasons individuals migrate are diverse, ranging from fleeing conflict and natural disasters to seeking economic opportunities, pursuing education, or joining family. However, regardless of the impetus for movement, refugees and migrants frequently encounter substantial barriers to healthcare access. These can include xenophobia, discrimination, precarious living and working conditions, and systemic inadequacies in healthcare provision. As the WHO highlights, these individuals are often at heightened risk of both infectious and chronic diseases, as well as mental health challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these existing inequities, increasing infection and mortality risks and disrupting access to essential services.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, emphasized that refugees and migrants are not simply recipients of care, but also contribute as health workers, caregivers, and community leaders. “Health systems are only truly universal when they serve everyone,” he stated. “WHO’s new report… shows that inclusion benefits whole societies and strengthens preparedness for future health challenges.” This underscores the reciprocal relationship between the health of migrant populations and the overall resilience of healthcare systems.
Investment Yields Broad Benefits
Investing in the health of refugees and migrants delivers far-reaching benefits beyond individual well-being. Improved health outcomes facilitate better social and economic integration, bolstering the resilience of health systems and strengthening global health security. Inclusive healthcare policies can also reduce long-term costs by enabling healthy, well-integrated populations to contribute fully to their communities. This economic argument for inclusive health policies is gaining traction as countries grapple with demographic shifts and labor market needs.
Progress in Practice: Global Examples
The WHO report, titled “World report on promoting the health of refugees and migrants: monitoring progress on the WHO global action plan”, showcases practical examples of progress across all six WHO regions. These include Thailand’s expansion of migrant health insurance coverage, Belgium’s use of cross-cultural communication mediators to bridge language and cultural barriers, and Chile’s inclusion of migrant community representatives in primary healthcare decision-making. These case studies demonstrate that even in challenging political contexts, progress is achievable through evidence-based approaches and adherence to established norms and standards.
Persistent Gaps in Coverage and Data
Despite the encouraging trends, significant gaps remain. The report reveals that only 37% of responding countries routinely collect, analyze, and disseminate migration-related health data as part of their national health information systems. This lack of data hinders effective planning and accountability. Just 42% include refugees and migrants in emergency preparedness, disaster risk reduction, or response plans, leaving them particularly vulnerable during crises. Fewer than 40% report training health workers in culturally responsive care, and only 30% have implemented communication campaigns to counter misinformation and discrimination related to refugee and migrant health.
Access to healthcare also remains uneven. While refugees generally have better access to services than other migrant groups, individuals in irregular situations, internally displaced persons, migrant workers, and international students often face significant barriers. Refugees and migrants are frequently under-represented in health governance and decision-making processes, limiting their ability to shape policies that affect their health.
Strengthening Digital Health Infrastructure
Efforts to improve access and continuity of care are also leveraging digital health solutions. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) recently became the first international organization to join the Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN), a WHO-hosted digital public infrastructure. This collaboration aims to enable the secure verification of health records across borders, facilitating seamless care for migrants wherever they travel. This initiative underscores the growing recognition of digital health as a critical tool for addressing the unique healthcare needs of mobile populations. You can learn more about the GDHCN here.
The Path Forward: A Call for Accelerated Action
The WHO is urging governments, partners, and donors to accelerate progress by embedding refugees and migrants into all national health policies, strategies, and plans. Strengthening the collection and use of disaggregated migration health data is crucial for effective planning and accountability. Coordinating across sectors – including health, housing, education, employment, and social protection – is also essential to address the multifaceted needs of migrant populations. Strategies should be tailored to the specific needs of different migrant subgroups, particularly those in irregular situations.
Meaningful engagement of refugees and migrants in planning, governance, and service design is paramount. Investing in training for health workers on providing equitable, culturally sensitive care, and tackling misinformation and discrimination through evidence-informed action are also critical steps. Finally, protecting and expanding financing is essential to safeguard progress for all.
The WHO will continue to support Member States in translating commitments into action, strengthening evidence, promoting culturally responsive care, and integrating refugees and migrants into resilient national health systems. Collaboration with partners, including the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the World Bank, will be vital to advancing coordinated, rights-based approaches to refugee and migrant health. Further information on the WHO’s work in this area can be found on their refugee and migrant health page.
Looking Ahead: The WHO will continue to monitor progress through regular reporting and data analysis, providing a platform for countries to share best practices and learn from one another. Ongoing research is needed to address knowledge gaps and refine strategies for promoting the health of refugees and migrants. The ultimate goal is to create healthcare systems that are truly universal, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all populations, regardless of their migration status.