More than 60 countries – two-thirds of those surveyed by the World Health Organization (WHO) – now include refugees and migrants in their national health policies and laws, a significant shift indicating a growing global commitment to inclusive healthcare. This progress, detailed in the WHO’s fresh “World report on promoting the health of refugees and migrants: monitoring progress on the WHO global action plan”, establishes a crucial baseline for tracking how well health systems are responding to the needs of a population exceeding 1 billion people worldwide – over 1 in 8 globally.
For decades, refugees and migrants have faced systemic barriers to accessing healthcare, increasing their vulnerability to infectious and chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and unsafe living conditions. These challenges are compounded by factors like language barriers, discrimination, and a lack of understanding of local healthcare systems. However, the WHO report signals a move toward recognizing that inclusive health policies aren’t just a matter of humanitarian concern, but also a vital component of global health security and societal well-being.
“Refugees and migrants are not just recipients of care, they are also health workers, caregivers and community leaders,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. “Health systems are only truly universal when they serve everyone. WHO’s new report… shows that inclusion benefits whole societies and strengthens preparedness for future health challenges.” The report underscores that investing in the health of refugees and migrants supports their social and economic integration, strengthens health system resilience, and ultimately reduces long-term costs by fostering healthy, contributing members of society.
A Global Baseline for Inclusive Health
The WHO report, based on data from 93 Member States, provides the first comprehensive overview of national policies and practices related to refugee and migrant health. While the inclusion of these populations in national health policies is a positive step, the report also highlights significant gaps that need to be addressed. The data reveals that even in contexts considered politically sensitive, countries are increasingly relying on evidence-based approaches, data analysis, and established health standards to shape their policies.
Examples of successful initiatives are emerging globally. In Thailand, expanded migrant health insurance coverage is improving access to care. Belgium is utilizing cross-cultural communication mediators to bridge language and cultural gaps. And in Chile, migrant community representatives are actively involved in decision-making processes related to primary healthcare delivery. These case studies demonstrate that tailored, locally-driven solutions can effectively address the unique health needs of refugee and migrant populations.
Persistent Gaps in Access and Equity
Despite the encouraging trend toward inclusion, significant disparities remain. The WHO report found that only 37% of responding countries routinely collect and analyze data specifically related to the health of refugees and migrants as part of their national health information systems. This lack of data hinders effective planning and resource allocation. Just 42% include these populations in emergency preparedness, disaster risk reduction, or response plans, leaving them particularly vulnerable during crises.
Training for healthcare workers also lags behind. Fewer than 40% of countries report providing training on culturally responsive care for refugees and migrants, potentially leading to misunderstandings and inadequate treatment. Only 30% have implemented public communication campaigns to counter misinformation and discrimination related to refugee and migrant health, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and barriers to access. Access itself remains uneven. while refugees generally have better access to services, migrants in irregular situations, internally displaced persons, migrant workers, and international students face more significant hurdles.
Perhaps most critically, the report notes that refugees and migrants are under-represented in health governance and decision-making processes in most countries. Meaningful engagement of these communities is essential to ensure that policies and programs are truly responsive to their needs.
Strengthening Systems and Fostering Collaboration
The WHO is urging governments, partners, and donors to accelerate progress by embedding refugees and migrants into all national health policies and strategies. Strengthening the collection and use of disaggregated data is also a priority, allowing for targeted interventions and accountability. Coordinating across sectors – including health, housing, education, employment, and social protection – is crucial to address the social determinants of health that impact refugee and migrant populations.
Tailoring strategies to the specific needs of different migrant subgroups, particularly those in irregular situations, is also essential. This requires a nuanced understanding of the unique challenges faced by each group. The WHO emphasizes the importance of meaningfully engaging refugees and migrants in the planning, governance, and delivery of healthcare services, ensuring their voices are heard and their perspectives are valued.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) recently took a step toward improving continuity of care by becoming the first international organization to onboard onto the Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN), a WHO-hosted digital infrastructure that allows for the verification of health documents across countries. This collaboration is expected to help migrants securely access verifiable health records, regardless of their location, streamlining healthcare access and improving health outcomes.
Looking Ahead
The progress highlighted in the WHO report represents a significant step forward in promoting the health of refugees and migrants. However, sustained commitment and concerted action are needed to address the remaining gaps and ensure that everyone, regardless of their migration status, has access to quality healthcare. The WHO will continue to support Member States in translating commitments into action, strengthening evidence-based practices, and integrating refugees and migrants into resilient national health systems. The next major checkpoint will be the annual report to the World Health Assembly in May 2025, where progress against the Global Action Plan will be formally reviewed.
Have your say: What steps do you suppose are most crucial to improving healthcare access for refugees and migrants in your community? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
