Act today for a better tomorrow for all: Improving the health of migrants to unleash the power of migration

Migration has always been a part of human history, with people moving for various reasons. This phenomenon continues to shape our world as more individuals seek better opportunities and escape conflicts, violence, climate change, and environmental degradation.

On 18 December, WHO will join the International Organization for Migration (IOM), along with global partners and communities, in observing International Migrants Day. This international event not only celebrates migrants but also serves as a catalyst for advocating their rights and uniting the global community in harnessing the transformative power of migration.

Migrants bring a multitude of skills that can benefit and enrich host countries and communities. They can serve as agents of change, creating opportunities for progress and contributing to social and economic growth. Their contributions to the health and well-being of the society they live in are invaluable. For instance, migrant health workers were indispensable to the frontline response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, many countries are increasingly relying on migrant workers in their health care systems.

To unleash the full potential of migration as a solution to global challenges, it is vital to prioritize the physical and mental health and well-being of migrants. WHO advocates for specific actions to achieve this:

• Reorient health systems into integrated and inclusive health services and programmes for migrants, in line with the principles of primary health care and universal health coverage, keeping people healthy in all life stages, not only when they are sick.
• Address the root causes that may affect 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 comprehensive data collection and monitor health determinants, status and outcomes of migrants to assess accountability for progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other goals and global targets.  
• Promote high-quality global research, strengthen knowledge production, and build research capacity to understand and address the health needs of migrants and shape responsive policies and practices worldwide.
• Remove barriers to universal health coverage (UHC), including discrimination, cultural and language factors, and unaffordable costs, ensuring 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, including preparedness and response, as equitable and appropriate health services for all migrants yield positive outcomes for the society as a whole.
• Address the shortage or lack of health professionals, services, and programmes that can cater to the cultural and linguistic needs of migrants, such as training competent health care professionals who can provide culturally sensitive care.
• Build sustainable, consultative structures and mechanisms that optimize migrants’ involvement in health projects.

WHO's work

Through its Department of Health and Migration, WHO develops norms, standards, guidance, and tools to strengthen countries' capacity to provide inclusive and respectful health services that meet the cultural, religious, and linguistic needs of refugees and migrants.

To facilitate the development and implementation of national health policy strategies and regional action plans that respond to the health needs of people on the move and scale up the implementation of the Global Action Plan on promoting the health of refugees and migrants, WHO also offers technical assistance, response, and capacity-building support.

Despite the challenges of gathering health information for migrant populations, WHO is building a global evidence base on the health status of migrants and refugees and has set global research priorities to fill knowledge gaps. Furthermore, WHO provides evidence-based policy considerations across various health areas, to address the specific needs of people on the move.

By taking immediate action to prioritize the health of migrants, we can unlock the full potential of migration and create a healthier, safer, fairer world for all.

Join the Health for All Film Festival

In 2024, WHO will continue to celebrate the power of audiovisual storytelling for health with all those interested in public health narratives! The 5th Health for All Film Festival calls for submissions from 1 November 2023 to 31 January 2024. This year, there is a Special Migrants and Refugees Health Film Prize.

We invite public health institutions from around the world, nongovernmental organizations, communities, activists and students in public health, film schools, and other relevant domains to submit their original short films that 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 can also raise awareness on the rights and unique health needs of these populations, and showcase how access to health care for these populations contributes to their better health and well-being. Independent filmmakers, production companies, and TV broadcasters are also invited to participate.

For more information on how to apply, please visit www.who.int/film-festival. A multilingual social media kit with visuals is also available at the bottom of the page to further promote this call and invite submissions of short films on migrants and refugees health before 31 January 2024!