Migration has been an integral part of human history, driven by a myriad of reasons ranging from the pursuit of better opportunities to escaping conflicts, violence, and environmental challenges. As we observe International Migrants Day on December 18, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) stands alongside the International Organization for Migration (IOM), global partners, and communities worldwide to celebrate the contributions of migrants and advocate for their rights. This international event serves not only as a commemoration but also as a call to action, urging the global community to harness the transformative power of migration.
Migrants bring with them a diverse array of skills that have the potential to benefit and enrich host countries and communities. They serve as agents of change, creating opportunities for progress and contributing significantly to social and economic growth. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, migrant health workers emerged as indispensable frontline responders, showcasing the invaluable role migrants play in the health and well-being of the societies they inhabit. Furthermore, many countries increasingly rely on migrant workers to support and bolster their healthcare systems.
To fully realize the potential benefits of migration and address global challenges, it is imperative to prioritize the physical and mental health and well-being of migrants. The World Health Organization advocates for specific actions to achieve this goal:
- Reorient Health Systems: Transform health systems to provide integrated and inclusive health services and programs for migrants, aligning with the principles of primary health care and universal health coverage. This approach emphasizes keeping people healthy throughout all stages of life, not just when they are ill.
- Address Root Causes: Tackle the root causes affecting the well-being of migrants, including social determinants of health such as poor housing and working conditions, lack of education, inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, food insecurity, and vulnerability to violence.
- Invest in Data Collection: Allocate resources to comprehensive data collection and monitoring of health determinants, status, and outcomes of migrants. This is crucial for assessing accountability for progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other global targets.
- Promote Research: Foster high-quality global research, strengthen knowledge production, and build research capacity to understand and address the health needs of migrants. This approach is essential for shaping responsive policies and practices worldwide.
- Remove Barriers to Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Eliminate barriers to UHC, including discrimination, cultural and language factors, and unaffordable costs. Ensure that migrants, including those in irregular situations, receive legal and social protection through national health systems and insurance schemes.
- Include Migrants in National Public Health Strategies: Recognize and include migrants in national public health strategies, including preparedness and response efforts. Equitable and appropriate health services for all migrants yield positive outcomes for the society as a whole.
- Address Shortages in Healthcare: Tackle the shortage or lack of health professionals, services, and programs that can cater to the cultural and linguistic needs of migrants. This includes training competent healthcare professionals who can provide culturally sensitive care.
- Build Sustainable Structures: Establish sustainable, consultative structures and mechanisms that optimize migrants’ involvement in health projects. This ensures their voices are heard and considered in shaping health policies and interventions.
WHO’s Commitment and Initiatives:
To support these initiatives, the World Health Organization, through its Department of Health and Migration, is actively involved in developing norms, standards, guidance, and tools. These resources aim to strengthen countries’ capacity to provide inclusive and respectful health services that meet the cultural, religious, and linguistic needs of refugees and migrants.
Additionally, WHO provides technical assistance, response, and capacity-building support to facilitate the development and implementation of national health policy strategies and regional action plans. These plans respond to the health needs of people on the move, scaling up the implementation of the Global Action Plan on promoting the health of refugees and migrants.
Despite the challenges associated with gathering health information for migrant populations, WHO is committed to building a global evidence base on the health status of migrants and refugees. The organization has set global research priorities to address existing knowledge gaps. Furthermore, WHO offers evidence-based policy considerations across various health areas to cater to the specific needs of people on the move.
Health for All Film Festival 2024:
Looking ahead to 2024, WHO continues to celebrate the power of audiovisual storytelling for health through the 5th Health for All Film Festival. Running from November 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, this festival calls for submissions, and this year, there is a Special Migrants and Refugees Health Film Prize.
WHO invites public health institutions, non-governmental organizations, communities, activists, students in public health, film schools, and other relevant domains to submit original short films. These films should shed light on the impact of migration and displacement on the physical and mental health and well-being of people on the move. Short films are encouraged to raise awareness about the rights and unique health needs of these populations and showcase how access to healthcare contributes to their better health and well-being.
Independent filmmakers, production companies, and TV broadcasters are also encouraged to participate in this initiative. Detailed information on how to apply can be found at www.who.int/film-festival. A multilingual social media kit with visuals is also available to promote this call for submissions and invite short films on migrants and refugees’ health before the January 31, 2024 deadline.
Conclusion:
By taking immediate action to prioritize the health of migrants, we can unlock the full potential of migration and create a healthier, safer, and fairer world for all. The multifaceted approach advocated by the World Health Organization emphasizes the need for inclusive and responsive health systems, addressing root causes, investing in research, and eliminating barriers to universal health coverage.
Through its ongoing initiatives and commitments, WHO is actively working towards ensuring that the health needs of migrants are recognized and met globally. The Health for All Film Festival adds a creative dimension to this effort, using the power of storytelling to raise awareness and advocate for the health and well-being of migrants and refugees.
As we celebrate International Migrants Day in 2023, let us join hands to support initiatives that prioritize the health of migrants, recognizing their contributions and embracing the diversity they bring to our communities. In doing so, we can collectively contribute to building a world where the benefits of migration are fully realized, and the health and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their migration status, are safeguarded.
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