United Nations, Apr 2 (IPS) – Global human migration is at a record-high level, as the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that almost 1 in 8 people – almost a billion people – are on the move. Many of these migrants and refugees face harsh living conditions and increasing challenges such as poverty, insecurity and limited access to basic services. As the number of international migrants has doubled since 1990, new WHO findings call for the expansion of health systems to meet growing needs.
“Refugees and migrants are not just recipients of care, they are also health workers, caregivers and community leaders,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Health systems are only truly universal when they serve everyone. “Like anyone else, refugees and migrants need uninterrupted, affordable and equitable access to health services, no matter where they are.”
WHO estimates that there are approximately 304 million international migrants worldwide, including 170 million migrant workers. Of these, approximately 117 million are those who have been forcibly displaced, 49 million are children, and 2.3 million are born as refugees.
More than 71 percent of the world’s international migrants find refuge in low- to middle-income countries, which often face the most severe resource constraints and security challenges. Marginalized groups are disproportionately affected: women and girls are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence and often lack access to relevant services; Unaccompanied children face increased risk of exploitation, abuse and neglect; And persons with disabilities face higher barriers to access and increased risk of discrimination.
It found that refugees and migrants face greater exposure to health risks, partly driven by conditions that restrict movement and access to care, as well as persistent discrimination and language and cultural barriers. These challenges are further exacerbated by ongoing conflict and climate-related disasters, leaving millions of people around the world vulnerable to infectious and chronic diseases, mental health issues, and hazardous living and working conditions.
“We cannot talk about refugee and migrant health without addressing emergencies,” said Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, WHO’s executive director for health emergencies. “Whether it’s conflict, a climate-related crisis, or a pandemic that forces movement, these crises expose the fragility of health systems and increase the vulnerabilities of all people already at risk.”
WHO launched it on 26 March World report on promoting the health of refugees and migrants: monitoring progress on the WHO global action planEstablishing what it describes as the first global baseline to track progress toward inclusive, migrant-responsive health systems. Based on data from more than 93 Member States, the report highlights both increasing variation in national responses to migrant and refugee health needs and persistent structural gaps that continue to hinder progress towards equitable access.
WHO found that only 42 percent of member countries surveyed reported having emergency preparedness and disaster reduction or response programs for migrant or refugee communities. Only 40 percent indicated that they provide training for health workers in culturally responsive care, while only 37 percent reported that they have systems in place to collect, monitor, and analyze migration-related health data – information that is rarely disseminated adequately to support a more coordinated global response.
Discrimination remains widespread in low- and middle-income countries that host large numbers of refugees and migrants, with misinformation and disinformation fueling negative perceptions about these communities. Only 30 percent of the countries surveyed reported that communication campaigns were in place to counter these misconceptions and discriminatory language.
Anti-migrant sentiment remains particularly pronounced, with internally displaced persons, migrant workers, international students, and migrants in irregular circumstances much less likely to access health services. Additionally, refugees and migrants are largely unrepresented in the governance and decision-making processes that shape their access to health rights in most of the countries surveyed.
“Unfortunately displacement events are occurring more frequently in countries with fragile systems, fragile economies and limited domestic resources,” said Dr. Santino Severoni, head of WHO’s Special Initiative on Health and Migration and lead author of the report. “There is almost no mention of irregular migrants in those emergency plans and response or in reducing the risk of disease, there is no systematic approach in assessing the system to see how their system is actually working, how efficient and effective it is. This is really a call to action to deliver on the promise of sharing little responsibility in the management of those emergencies.”
Over the past year, international support for refugee health has seen a significant decline. Statistics from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (unhcr) show that their 2025 response plan has achieved only 23 percent of its US$10.6 billion target. The agency estimates that this could cause more than 12.8 million displaced people to lose access to life-saving health interventions this year.
Global reactions have been polarizing. Some countries have adopted inclusive policies that support migrant communities – such as Chile – which has supplied municipal health councils for migrants and refugees with community representatives. Other countries, such as the United States and Canada, have cut health insurance coverage for undocumented immigrants, forcing them to pay out-of-pocket for life-saving care and increasing security risks.
Through the report, WHO called for greater inclusion of refugee and migrant voices in decision-making processes, as well as better coordination between governments. With the seamless flow of data between member countries, WHO will be able to shape health, employment, housing and protection services more effectively.
WHO stressed that responses should be specifically tailored to the needs of different migrant subgroups, while remaining committed to combating misinformation and discrimination through “evidence-based action”. Investing in refugee and migrant health systems provides significant returns, fostering better social and economic cohesion, revitalizing fragile health systems, and promoting global security, while reducing long-term costs by promoting these communities to contribute back to society.
“The health of refugees and migrants is not a matter of minor concern: it is a defining issue of our time,” Severoni said. “By acting now, countries can ensure that refugees and migrants are not left behind, and that health systems are stronger, fairer and more prepared for the future.”
IPS UN Bureau Report
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