The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a comprehensive new report detailing a transformative shift in the global approach to the health of mobile populations. According to the findings, more than 60 countries—representing two-thirds of those surveyed—have now formally integrated refugees and migrants into their national health policies and legal frameworks. This development marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and signals a growing recognition that the health of migrants is inextricably linked to the health of the broader global population.
Drawing on exhaustive data collected from 93 Member States, the document establishes the first-ever global baseline for tracking progress toward inclusive, migrant-responsive health systems. The report, titled "World report on promoting the health of refugees and migrants: monitoring progress on the WHO global action plan," serves as both a scorecard for current international efforts and a roadmap for addressing the systemic vulnerabilities faced by over one billion people on the move.
A Global Phenomenon: The Scale of Modern Migration
Human migration is not a modern anomaly but a defining feature of shared human history. It has been a primary driver of cultural exchange, social evolution, and economic development across millennia. However, the scale of movement in the 21st century is unprecedented. Today, more than 1 billion people—approximately one in eight individuals globally—live as refugees or migrants. This demographic includes those crossing international borders as well as the millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) moving within their own countries.
The drivers of this movement are multifaceted and often overlapping. Conflict, political instability, and systemic violence remain primary catalysts for forced displacement. Concurrently, the escalating climate crisis is triggering new waves of environmental migration as disasters and resource scarcity render ancestral lands uninhabitable. Beyond these crises, millions move in pursuit of economic opportunity, higher education, or to reunite with family members. Regardless of the motivation for movement, the WHO emphasizes that the right to health is a fundamental human right that does not expire at a border or disappear due to a change in legal status.
Chronology of the WHO Global Action Plan
The release of this monitoring report is the culmination of years of strategic international coordination. To understand the current progress, it is essential to look at the timeline of global health policy regarding migration:
- May 2017: The 70th World Health Assembly adopts Resolution WHA70.15, urging Member States to address the health needs of refugees and migrants and requesting the WHO Director-General to develop a global action plan.
- May 2019: The WHO Global Action Plan on Promoting the Health of Refugees and Migrants (2019–2023) is officially noted by the 72nd World Health Assembly. The plan outlines six priority areas, including advocacy, health monitoring, and the strengthening of health systems.
- 2020–2022: The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the extreme vulnerabilities of migrant populations, particularly those in informal work or crowded living conditions, while also demonstrating that public health is only as strong as its most marginalized link.
- May 2023: The 76th World Health Assembly extends the Global Action Plan to 2030, aligning it with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- June 2023: The Third Global Consultation on the Health of Refugees and Migrants results in the Rabat Declaration, a political commitment by nations to accelerate efforts toward inclusive health systems.
- Late 2024: The WHO publishes this first monitoring report, providing the first data-driven baseline to measure the effectiveness of the 2019 Global Action Plan.
Analysis of the Data: Successes and Regional Case Studies
The report reveals that even in politically sensitive climates where migration is a contentious issue, many governments are increasingly turning to evidence-based science and established international norms to guide their health policies. By moving away from reactive, emergency-based care toward long-term systemic inclusion, these nations are realizing significant social and economic dividends.
The WHO highlights several regional success stories that demonstrate how inclusion can be achieved across different economic and social contexts:
Thailand: Expanding Health Insurance Coverage
Thailand has long been a leader in Southeast Asia for its proactive approach to migrant health. The country has successfully expanded its health insurance schemes to include undocumented migrants and those working in the informal sector. By allowing migrants to opt into the national health system, Thailand has seen improved management of infectious diseases and a reduction in emergency room costs, as individuals seek primary care rather than waiting for conditions to become critical.
Belgium: Cultural Mediation and Communication
In Europe, Belgium has addressed the "invisible barriers" to healthcare—language and cultural differences. The country has implemented a robust system of cross-cultural communication mediators who work within hospitals and clinics. These mediators ensure that refugees and migrants fully understand their diagnoses and treatment plans, which significantly improves health outcomes and builds trust between the migrant community and the state.
Chile: Community Representation in Decision-Making
Chile has focused on the "bottom-up" approach to health. By including migrant community representatives in the decision-making processes for primary healthcare delivery, the Chilean health system has been able to tailor its services to the specific needs of its growing migrant population. This inclusive governance model ensures that health services are not only available but also accessible and acceptable to those who need them most.
Addressing the Barriers to Care
Despite the positive trend of policy inclusion, the WHO report is candid about the persistent gaps that leave millions of people at risk. Refugees and migrants continue to face a "triple burden" of health risks. First, they are often exposed to infectious diseases due to unsafe transit conditions. Second, the stress of displacement and the loss of social networks contribute to significant mental health challenges, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Third, as they settle into new countries, they often face higher risks of chronic, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension, exacerbated by poverty and poor living conditions.
Specific barriers identified in the report include:
- Legal and Administrative Hurdles: In many jurisdictions, the lack of legal documentation prevents individuals from registering with health services.
- Financial Constraints: High out-of-pocket costs remain a deterrent for migrants who are often excluded from social safety nets.
- Discrimination and Stigma: Fear of deportation or discriminatory treatment by healthcare providers prevents many from seeking timely medical attention.
- Lack of Data: Many countries still do not disaggregate health data by migratory status, making it difficult to identify specific health inequities and allocate resources effectively.
Leadership and Global Reactions
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, has been a vocal advocate for the integration of migrants into national health systems. "Refugees and migrants are not just recipients of care; they are also health workers, caregivers, and community leaders," Dr. Tedros stated. "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 sentiment is echoed by international partners. Historically, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have worked alongside the WHO to bridge the gap between humanitarian aid and long-term development. Policy analysts suggest that the report’s emphasis on "investment dividends" is a strategic move to convince skeptical governments that migrant health is not a drain on resources but a catalyst for economic resilience. Healthy, integrated populations contribute to the labor market, pay taxes, and reduce the long-term burden on emergency medical services.
The Digital Transformation: IOM and the GDHCN
A significant highlight of the report is the advancement of digital health solutions to ensure "continuity of care" across borders. The IOM recently became the first international organization to join the Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN). This WHO-hosted digital infrastructure allows for the secure verification of health documents, such as vaccination records and test results, across international lines.
For a migrant moving through multiple countries, the loss of medical records is a common and dangerous occurrence. By utilizing the GDHCN, the IOM aims to help migrants maintain a portable, verifiable health history. This ensures that a child vaccinated in one country does not receive redundant doses in another, and a patient on chronic medication can prove their prescription history to new providers. This interoperability is a cornerstone of the WHO’s vision for a modernized, rights-based approach to global health.
The Way Forward: Recommendations for Member States
To accelerate progress, the WHO has issued a call to action for governments, donors, and international partners. The organization emphasizes three primary pillars for future action:
- Strengthening Evidence and Data: Countries must improve their data collection methods to include migratory status, allowing for evidence-based policy making that addresses specific health disparities.
- Promoting Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Care: Health systems must invest in training for healthcare workers to handle the unique needs of diverse populations, ensuring that language is never a barrier to life-saving treatment.
- Integrating Migrants into Resilient National Systems: Rather than creating parallel health systems for migrants—which are often inefficient and underfunded—governments should focus on full integration into existing national frameworks.
Conclusion: Health Security as a Universal Goal
The findings of the "World report on promoting the health of refugees and migrants" underscore a fundamental truth of the modern era: in a globalized world, health security is indivisible. The emergence of global pandemics has proven that a virus does not respect borders or visa statuses. Therefore, protecting the health of the one billion people on the move is not merely a matter of charity or humanitarian obligation; it is a strategic necessity for global stability.
As the WHO continues to support Member States in translating these policy commitments into tangible action, the focus will remain on building resilient, inclusive health systems. By fostering cooperation between organizations like the IOM, the UNHCR, and the World Bank, the international community is moving closer to a future where health is a reality for all, regardless of where they come from or where they are going. The progress documented in this report is a testament to what can be achieved when science, human rights, and political will converge to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time.