Progress in Inclusive Health Policies for Refugees and Migrants

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a significant change in the response of various countries to the health needs of refugees and migrants, revealing that over 60 countries—approximately two-thirds of those surveyed—now integrate these groups into their national health policies and legislation.

Using data from 93 Member States, this report establishes the first global baseline to monitor progress toward inclusive and migrant-responsive health systems.

Human migration is a defining characteristic of our collective history, influencing cultural, social, and economic progress over generations. Currently, more than 1 billion individuals—over 1 in 8 people worldwide—live as refugees or migrants.

Migratory reasons range from armed conflict and natural disasters to the pursuit of economic prospects, educational opportunities, or family reunifications. However, numerous refugees and migrants face hurdles in accessing healthcare, suffer heightened exposure to infectious and chronic diseases, experience mental health difficulties, and endure unsafe living or working conditions.

"Refugees and migrants are not merely recipients of care; they also serve as healthcare providers, caregivers, and community leaders," stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. "Health systems become genuinely universal only when they cater to everyone. WHO’s latest report on the health of migrants and refugees indicates that inclusion benefits entire societies and enhances preparedness for upcoming health challenges."

Investing in the health of refugees and migrants yields extensive benefits. It promotes better social and economic integration, fortifies the resilience of health systems, and strengthens global health security. Inclusive, migrant-responsive health frameworks also lower long-term costs by allowing healthy, well-integrated populations to make meaningful contributions to the societies in which they reside.

The new 'World Report on Promoting the Health of Refugees and Migrants: Monitoring Progress on the WHO Global Action Plan' indicates that even in politically sensitive environments, countries increasingly depend on evidence, data, scientific findings, and established norms and standards to navigate the interplay between migration and health within their national health systems.

Case studies from all six WHO regions illustrate concrete progress in implementation. For example, Thailand has broadened its migrant health insurance coverage, while Belgium has adopted the use of cross-cultural communication mediators. In Chile, migrant community representatives have been included in decision-making processes regarding primary health care delivery.

Despite advancements, the report underscores persistent gaps:

WHO acknowledges the progress achieved and calls on governments, partners, and donors to expedite this advancement by:

WHO will persist in assisting Member States in transforming commitments into actionable steps by enhancing evidence, promoting culturally sensitive care, and integrating refugees and migrants into robust national health systems. At the global, regional, and national levels, WHO will continue to work closely with partners, including the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the World Bank, to promote coordinated, rights-based approaches to the health of refugees and migrants.

The IOM became the first international organization to join the Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN), a digital public infrastructure facilitated by WHO that aids in the verification of health documents across nations. This new collaboration is expected to markedly enhance migrants' ability to securely access verifiable health records wherever they travel, thereby supporting continuity of care across borders.

By being the first international organization to join the GDHCN, IOM underscores WHO's pivotal role in overseeing public health matters relating to refugees and migrants while promoting trustworthy, interoperable digital health systems that safeguard and empower individuals globally.