WHO/Bellina
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Credits
Refugee and migrant health
Overview
Migration has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental and growing aspect of our societies, influencing the health and development of both migrant and host communities. At the end of 2020, there were 101 million international migrants living in the WHO European Region, including in the countries of central Asia. This is more than 13% of the people in Europe and central Asia.
Political and social structures need to respond to the challenges of population movement and displacement, specifically by focusing on attaining universal health coverage for all no matter where you come from.
Impact
More than 13% of the people in Europe and central Asia are refugees or migrants.
Refugees and migrants can face many challenges when accessing health services, such as partial or unclear entitlements, limited access, lack of interpreters and cultural mediators and fewer financial resources.
WHO response
WHO/Europe delivers its mission by providing:
- latest international evidence and know-how;
- technical advice and support to countries;
- regional policy development and technical guidance;
- capacity-building;
- communications and advocacy; and
- focal point network for tri-regional collaboration with WHO Regional Offices for Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
