New report details health of refugees and migrants

The WHO just released its first-ever report on the health of migrants and refugees in Europe, who account for roughly 10 percent of the continent's population. Here’s a look at the findings:

Refugees and migrants are at a lower risk for almost all forms of cancer than the populations in the countries where they reside — but their cancer is more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage.
A handful of factors — including a lack of access to health care and poor living conditions — put refugees and migrants at a potentially higher risk of infectious diseases. The report also found that, despite assumptions otherwise, there's a very low risk of of refugees and migrants transmitting diseases to other people in the countries where they live.
Unaccompanied refugee and migrant minors experience higher rates of depression and signs of PTSD. They're also at risk of sexual exploitation.

Report on the health of refugees and migrants in the WHO European Region: no public health without refugee and migrant health – Summary

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English (PDF, 1.8 MB)

2018, vi + 12 pages
ISBN 978 92 890 5378 5
This publication is only available online.

Summary

Almost one in 10 people in the WHO European Region is currently an international migrant. Finding work is a major reason why people migrate internationally, although violence, conflict, natural disasters and human rights abuses are also contributors. Migration and displacement are social determinants of health affecting the health of refugees and migrants. The WHO Regional Office for Europe has taken the lead in assisting Member States in promoting refugee and migrant health and addressing the public health aspects of their health. The Regional Office established the Migration and Health programme specifically for this purpose. Gaining an overview of the health status of refugees and migrants and health system response is paramount in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and in ensuring universal health coverage, and is in line with the Health 2020 framework.

This report, the first of its kind, creates an evidence base with the aim of catalysing progress towards developing and promoting migrant-sensitive health systems in the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region and beyond. This report seeks to illuminate the causes, consequences and responses to the health needs and challenges faced by refugees and migrants in the Region, while also providing a snapshot of the progress being made across the Region. Additionally, the report seeks to identify gaps that require further action through collaboration, to improve the collection and availability of high-quality data and to stimulate policy initiatives. The report is a much-needed boost for Member States and other stakeholders to ensure high-quality health care for all.

Full report