Worldwide, more people are on the move now than ever before, yet many refugees and migrants face poorer health outcomes than the host populations. Addressing their health needs is, therefore, a global health priority and integral to the principle of the right to health for all. The key is to strengthen and maintain health systems by ensuring that they are refugee- and migrant-sensitive and inclusive.
Health outcomes are influenced by a whole host of determinants. However, refugees and migrants face additional determinants such as precarious legal status; discrimination; social, cultural, linguistic, administrative and financial barriers; lack of information about health entitlements; low health literacy; and fear of detention and deportation.
The report by WHO brings together evidence about the health challenges faced by refugees and migrants along their journeys and presents the trends, gaps, and good practices in protecting and promoting their health worldwide. The report also includes a chapter focusing specifically on the mental health of refugees and migrants.
Access the report here.
