The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a landmark study revealing a significant transformation in the global approach to refugee and migrant health, indicating that more than 60 countries—representing two-thirds of those surveyed—have successfully integrated these populations into their national health policies and legal frameworks. This finding, published in the "World report on promoting the health of refugees and migrants: monitoring progress on the WHO global action plan," serves as the first comprehensive global baseline for tracking the evolution of inclusive, migrant-responsive health systems. By analyzing data from 93 Member States, the report provides a rigorous assessment of how nations are navigating the complex intersection of human mobility and public health.
The report arrives at a critical juncture in human history. Migration is currently a defining global phenomenon, with more than 1 billion people—approximately one in eight individuals worldwide—living as refugees or migrants. These populations are driven by a diverse array of factors, including violent conflict, environmental disasters, economic necessity, educational pursuits, and family reunification. Despite their significant contributions to the social and economic fabric of their host nations, many of these individuals continue to face systemic barriers to essential healthcare, leaving them vulnerable to infectious diseases, chronic conditions, and acute mental health challenges often exacerbated by unsafe living and working environments.
A New Baseline for Global Health Equity
The establishment of this baseline marks a departure from previous ad hoc data collection efforts. By standardizing the metrics for migrant health inclusion, the WHO aims to hold Member States accountable to the commitments made under the Global Action Plan on Promoting the Health of Refugees and Migrants. The 93 countries that participated in the survey represent a broad cross-section of geographic regions and economic development levels, suggesting that the trend toward health inclusion is not restricted to high-income Western nations but is a growing global priority.
According to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, the shift toward inclusion is a fundamental requirement for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). "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." This perspective underscores a growing consensus that excluding vulnerable populations from health systems creates "blind spots" that can undermine national health security, particularly during outbreaks of transmissible diseases.
Chronology of the Global Action Plan
The progress documented in the new report is the result of nearly a decade of intensified diplomatic and technical efforts. The timeline of this movement reflects an increasing urgency within the international community:
- 2016: The United Nations General Assembly adopts the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, acknowledging that the health of these populations is a shared global responsibility.
- 2017: The 70th World Health Assembly adopts Resolution WHA70.15, which tasks the WHO with developing a framework to address the health needs of displaced populations.
- 2019: The WHO Global Action Plan on Promoting the Health of Refugees and Migrants (2019–2023) is officially launched, providing a roadmap for Member States to integrate migrant health into national plans.
- 2023: During the 76th World Health Assembly, Member States agree to extend the Global Action Plan to 2030, aligning it with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- 2024: The release of the current report provides the first evidence-based evaluation of the progress made since the plan’s inception.
This chronology demonstrates that while migration is often treated as a short-term crisis in political discourse, the WHO and its partners have been working to institutionalize long-term, sustainable health strategies that move beyond emergency humanitarian aid.
Regional Success Stories and Practical Implementation
The report highlights specific case studies from all six WHO regions, illustrating that progress is possible even in resource-constrained or politically sensitive environments. These examples serve as a "proof of concept" for other nations looking to modernize their health policies.
In Thailand, the government has expanded migrant health insurance coverage, allowing non-citizens to access the same primary care services as nationals through a dedicated premium-based system. This has not only improved health outcomes for migrants but has also stabilized the financial resilience of local clinics in border provinces.
In Europe, Belgium has pioneered the use of cross-cultural communication mediators. These professionals bridge the gap between healthcare providers and migrant patients, ensuring that language barriers and cultural differences do not lead to misdiagnosis or non-compliance with treatment plans. This model has been praised for reducing the administrative burden on hospitals and improving patient satisfaction.
In South America, Chile has integrated migrant community representatives directly into the decision-making processes for primary health care delivery. By giving migrants a seat at the table, the Chilean health ministry has been able to tailor services to the specific needs of arriving populations, such as specialized maternal health programs and mental health support for those fleeing political instability.
Economic and Social Dividends of Inclusion
The WHO report argues that the inclusion of refugees and migrants in health systems is not merely a moral imperative but an economic necessity. Investment in these populations delivers "far-reaching dividends" that benefit the host society at large. When migrants have access to preventive care and early intervention, the long-term costs to the health system are significantly reduced. Untreated chronic conditions or late-stage infectious diseases often result in expensive emergency room visits and lost productivity, which place a heavier burden on public coffers than inclusive primary care.
Furthermore, healthy and well-integrated migrant populations contribute more effectively to the labor market and social cohesion. By ensuring that refugees can maintain their health, host countries protect their human capital, enabling these individuals to work, pay taxes, and participate in community life. This integration reinforces global health security by ensuring that all residents—regardless of their legal status—are part of the national surveillance and vaccination networks, which is critical for preventing the spread of future pandemics.
Addressing Persistent Gaps and Systemic Barriers
Despite the positive trend, the WHO report identifies significant gaps that continue to hinder the full realization of health equity. In many jurisdictions, legal and administrative barriers remain the primary obstacle. Some countries still require proof of residency or legal status to access anything beyond emergency care, effectively driving millions of people into the shadows.
Financial barriers also persist. Even in countries where policies are inclusive on paper, high out-of-pocket costs and a lack of targeted insurance schemes often make care unaffordable. Furthermore, the report notes a persistent lack of high-quality, disaggregated data. Without specific data on migrant health outcomes, it is difficult for policymakers to identify where interventions are most needed or to measure the effectiveness of existing programs.
Discrimination and xenophobia within healthcare settings also remain a concern. Fear of deportation or mistreatment often prevents migrants from seeking care until their conditions become critical. The WHO emphasizes that unless health systems address these "soft" barriers through staff training and community outreach, legislative inclusion will remain an incomplete solution.
Digital Innovation and Cross-Border Continuity of Care
A major highlight of the report is the announcement of a new collaboration between the WHO and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The IOM has become the first international organization to join the Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN). This digital public infrastructure, hosted by the WHO, allows for the secure verification of health documents across international borders.
This partnership is expected to revolutionize "continuity of care" for people on the move. For a refugee moving through multiple countries, maintaining a consistent medical record—including vaccination history, chronic disease prescriptions, and maternal health data—has historically been nearly impossible. The GDHCN will enable migrants to securely access and share their verifiable health records wherever they go. This technological leap not only empowers the individuals but also assists host-country health workers in providing informed and efficient care.
The IOM’s participation in the GDHCN underscores the WHO’s leadership in the public health aspects of migration and highlights the role of interoperable digital systems in protecting vulnerable populations globally.
The Path Toward 2030: Recommendations for Action
The WHO concludes its report with a call to action for governments, donors, and international partners. To accelerate the momentum established over the last five years, the organization urges a focus on several key pillars:
- Strengthening Evidence: Countries must invest in data systems that track the health status of migrants and refugees to inform evidence-based policymaking.
- Promoting Culturally Responsive Care: Health systems must move beyond simple translation services to incorporate culturally sensitive approaches that respect the diverse backgrounds of migrant populations.
- Financial Protection: Governments should work toward eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for migrants and ensuring that they are included in national health insurance schemes.
- Resilient Integration: Rather than creating parallel health systems for refugees, nations should focus on strengthening existing national systems to be resilient enough to accommodate everyone.
The WHO has pledged to continue supporting Member States in translating these commitments into action. By working closely with the IOM, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the World Bank, the WHO aims to advance a rights-based approach that recognizes health as a fundamental human right, regardless of a person’s migration status.
As the global community moves toward the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals, the findings of this report suggest that the world is beginning to recognize a simple truth: the health of a nation is inextricably linked to the health of its most vulnerable residents. By moving toward inclusive, migrant-responsive systems, countries are not only protecting refugees—they are building a more secure and resilient future for all.
