Solidarity in action: promoting refugee-sensitive health systems
On 20 June 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO), together with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and partners, will celebrate World Refugee Day 2024. In line with this year's theme, “In solidarity with refugees”, WHO highlights the importance of building inclusive health systems and providing equitable care to refugees around the world. WHO aims to highlight solidarity and health, celebrate the resilience of refugees, defend their right to health and create a world where everyone has universal access to quality health care, regardless of migration status.
UNHCR estimates that by mid-2023, more than 110 million people will be forcibly displaced worldwide, of which 40% are children. 75% of these displaced people are hosted in low- and middle-income countries. Refugees are not just recipients of care, but active contributors to health systems around the world as skilled health professionals, cultural intermediaries and advocates for equitable access. Data from the WHO World Report on Refugee and Migrant Health highlights the influential role of refugees and underscores the importance of including them in decision-making processes to improve the quality and cultural adaptability of services.
While celebrating refugees' resilience and celebrating their contributions, we acknowledge the challenges they face and the urgent need for global solidarity. Millions of people in vulnerable situations have poor living and working conditions that worsen their health, even if they are not in poor health to begin with. Prioritizing their right to timely, accessible, affordable, acceptable and dignified health care is essential to achieving health for all.
“Putting the talk”: an example of WHO's contribution to improving refugee health
In line with the Global Action Plan on Promoting the Health of Refugees and Migrants 2019-2030, WHO works with Member States, regional offices and partners to advocate for the rights and health equity of refugees and migrants. By leading global advocacy, setting standards, generating evidence and fostering partnerships, WHO promotes evidence-based approaches to meet the health needs of refugees and migrants and promotes global health equity and rights.
Coordinating and guiding normative work: The Third Global Consultation on Refugee and Migrant Health in June 2023, co-hosted by WHO, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNHCR and the Kingdom of Morocco, led to the adoption of the Rabat Declaration by 49 Member States and observers. This milestone marks a global effort towards improving the health of refugees, migrants and host communities. The outcome report outlines actionable steps for governments, UN agencies and partners. Putting research into practice: After a consultative research agenda-setting process to forge consensus on global priorities with over 180 stakeholders, WHO has published its first-ever global research agenda to address evidence gaps. Five priority research themes requiring greater investment have been identified, accompanied by an implementation guide and toolkit to foster stronger global research collaboration. Health systems reviews: WHO is conducting health systems reviews around the world to support the development of informed, evidence-based, long-term interventions in health systems that leverage existing capacities and assess gaps and opportunities. In Jordan, Bulgaria, Thailand, Czech Republic, Uganda and Estonia, reviews were conducted in collaboration with the respective Ministries of Health, with follow-up activities to demonstrate policy changes and more informed health planning. In particular, these reviews facilitated the incorporation of refugee and migrant health needs into national strategies. Training health workers: WHO developed the “Refugee and Migrant Health: Global Competency Standards for Health Workers” (Competency Standards) to strengthen the capacity of health workers to provide culturally sensitive services to refugees and migrants. Successful training efforts in Nigeria are being expanded to Senegal, Mali and Niger. In parallel, WHO has established a corresponding e-learning course and is preparing a world-first course to be held in Rome in collaboration with the Italian National Institute of Health, Migration and Poverty (WHO Collaborating Centre). Celebrating the power of storytelling: WHO’s Health for All Film Festival awarded the “Special Prize for Migrant and Refugee Health” to “Dalal’s Story” directed by Alexandra Cordukes of Laundry Lane Productions (Australia). The film promotes inclusive healthcare access and how it fosters positive health outcomes through the journey of Dalal, a Yazidi woman seeking refuge in Australia. In addition, the festival awarded the “Health Emergencies – Grand Prix” to “Journey Beyond the Rubble” directed by Mumen Sayed Issa and Atheer Salem Bahr (Turkey). The film highlights the courage of health professionals who responded to the 2023 earthquake and tells the recovery story of Wala, a Syrian refugee and earthquake survivor in Turkey. Exchange of knowledge and leveraging of experiences: The 5th Global School on Refugee and Migrant Health will take place from 2 to 6 December 2024 in Bogotá, Colombia, and will be livestreamed worldwide. The School will bring together diverse stakeholders to foster a robust exchange of knowledge and collective learning, explore innovative strategies, share best practices and foster partnerships to address the health challenges of people on the move and promote their health.
Future directions: A collaborative approach to refugee health needs
Responding to refugee health needs requires a commitment to solidarity and inclusion across borders. This requires addressing the determinants of health as well as rebuilding and strengthening existing health systems to provide comprehensive and integrated services to both host communities and refugees. Recognizing that refugee health is essential to global well-being, representative data and high-quality research are essential to monitor progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and guide evidence-based policies. Moving from policy to practice requires developing and implementing public health plans that incorporate refugee health needs and involve affected communities in decision-making. Global cooperation based on the principles of non-discrimination, equity and inclusiveness is essential. Strengthening international cooperation and promoting social integration are efforts to build a healthier and more equitable world for all.
