Member States, United Nations agencies, researchers, and civil society partners convened today to call for urgent and sustained action on equity and inclusion of migrants and refugees in efforts to addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), populations too often left out of national and global health planning. The event, titled “Global health equity: a shared responsibility in addressing the NCD burden for all, including migrants and refugees”, was co-organized by the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Peru, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). It emphasized the pressing need to build inclusive and responsive health systems that support people on the move throughout all phases of migration and displacement.
Overview
NCDs are responsible for nearly three-quarters of all deaths globally outside of pandemic contexts, with a disproportionate impact on low- and middle-income countries, many of which host large numbers of displaced populations. Migrants and refugees often face a double burden: greater exposure to risk factors and persistent barriers to accessing prevention, screening, diagnosis and long-term care. The Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration focused on NCDs shows that fragmented health systems, chronic stress, food insecurity, air pollution, overcrowded housing and lack of access to preventive services contribute to poorer health outcomes. The First World Report on the Health of Refugees and Migrants underscores that social determinant, including health literacy, gender, age, legal status and discrimination, further compound health inequities. Climate change is also a growing threat multiplier, deepening vulnerabilities among migrant and displaced communities.
As a result, conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, renal disorders and hypertension frequently go undiagnosed or untreated, leading to avoidable morbidity, mortality, and higher catastrophic health expenditure among migrant and displaced populations than in host populations.
“This event reflects our shared recognition that health equity is a universal right. The rising burden of NCDs, especially among populations of low- and middle-income nations, and people in vulnerable situations as migrants, refugees, and displaced peoples is a defining challenge that cuts across borders, sectors, and societies” — H.E. Prof. Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development, Minister of Health and Population, the Arab Republic of Egypt
Collective commitment
Participants reiterated that migrants and refugees are not merely recipients of care; they are essential contributors to stronger, more resilient and inclusive health systems. Country experiences presented at the event highlighted how participatory approaches, especially in mental health and chronic disease management, can lead to more effective and equitable service design and delivery.
“As we confront the global burden of NCDs, we must ensure that migrants and refugees are not left behind. Health systems must be designed to deliver equitable, continuous care across all stages of migration and displacement. When we include the voices and contributions of people on the move, we build more trusted, responsive, and resilient systems, for everyone.” — Dr Santino Severoni, Director, WHO Health and Migration
This event reinforced commitments to promoting and protecting the health of refugees and migrants, in alignment with the priorities set by the WHO global action plan on promoting the health of refugees and migrants, the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), and other key strategies. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of translating these frameworks into actionable national policies that leave no one behind.
“The growing burden of NCDs tests the inclusiveness of our health systems. IOM stands ready to work with our member states, the UN system, civil society, academia, private sector and other stakeholders including migrants themselves, to deliver on the promise of migration while serving the most vulnerable and ensuring migrant-responsive care for health equity and resilience” — Dr Poonam Dhavan, IOM Director for Migration Health
The way forward
This convening contributes to shaping the global agenda ahead of the 2025 Fourth High-level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being. Ensuring equitable access to NCD prevention and care for migrants and refugees is fundamental to achieving universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Participants issued a collective call to action to:
- integrate refugee and migrant inclusion into national strategies on NCD and mental health, and universal health coverage , as well as into the draft political declaration and global responses to NCDs;
- strengthen health systems to ensure continuity of care across borders; and
- invest in culturally sensitive, people-centred models of care
“In Latin America, over 17 million people are currently displaced. Ensuring their access to NCD prevention and care is not only a humanitarian imperative but also a political and economic necessity. In Peru, addressing the rising NCDs and the health needs of migrants and displaced populations remains a priority” — H.E. Ambassador Luis Chuquihuara Chil, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Peru to the United Nations Office at Geneva
This event was supported by over 30 Member States and observers, as well as key partners from the United Nations, civil society and academia.