/health-and-migration-programme-(phm)/tag.jpeg?sfvrsn=e8fefea2_2&Status=Master "TAG")
In a landmark step toward more inclusive and resilient health systems worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched on 25 November 2025 its first-ever Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on Health, Migration and Displacement, convening leading global experts to help shape the future of health policy for people on the move.
The TAG was formally introduced during a high-level launch webinar livestreamed globally from WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, marking a pivotal moment in WHO’s long-standing commitment to protect and promote the health of refugees, migrants, and displaced populations. As global mobility intensifies – driven by conflict, inequality, climate change, and economic necessity – the advisory group’s establishment signals a clear imperative: health systems must cross borders with those they serve.
The newly established TAG brings together 16 internationally recognized experts from all six WHO regions, spanning public health, migration policy, humanitarian response, data science, social protection, and human rights. Together, they will provide independent, technically rigorous guidance to inform WHO’s priorities for 2026–2027, with a strong focus on:
- strengthening migration health data and monitoring systems;
- developing normative and policy guidance;
- building country and regional capacity;
- supporting implementation of the Global Action Plan on Refugee and Migrant Health (2019–2030)
A shared vision for inclusive health systems
Opening the event, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that migrant and refugee health is a central public health priority.
“Refugees and migrants face significant barriers to accessing health services – barriers that cannot be overcome through humanitarian action alone,” Dr Tedros said in a video message. “The Technical Advisory Group we launch today will play a central role in shaping the next phase of this work, including in the areas of social protection, climate action, and humanitarian response. Together, we can make the world healthier, safer, and fairer for migrants and refugees.”
His remarks set the tone for a discussion grounded in both urgency and opportunity – recognizing mobility as a defining feature of the 21st century and health as a universal right that must be upheld across borders.
Dr Santino Severoni, Head of WHO’s Health and Migration Special Initiative, highlighted the need to move beyond fragmented, crisis-driven approaches toward sustainable, migrant-inclusive health systems, welcoming the TAG’s contributions to shaping the priorities narrative.
“Our commitment is to promote resilient, equitable, and people-centred health systems that serve migrants and refugees not only in moments of crisis, but throughout their journeys and across their lives,” Dr Severoni said. “The TAG will help us anticipate emerging needs, amplify the human stories behind the data, and ensure our guidance is evidence-informed, relevant, and actionable.”
TAG Chair Munir Merali reinforced the group’s responsibility to safeguard technical integrity while keeping equity at the forefront: “Neutral, technically sound, equity-focused guidance is more important than ever. Our shared purpose is clear: to ensure migrants and displaced communities are visible, protected, and cared for – not only in policy, but in practice.”
Regional voices, global resolve
A defining feature of the TAG is its strong regional representation. During the launch, members shared insights reflecting the diverse realities of migration and displacement across all six WHO regions – while converging around a shared call for inclusive, resilient health systems that leave no one behind.
African Region: Facing the world’s largest internal and cross-border displacement, priorities include strengthening migration health data, ensuring cross-border continuity of care, and mobilizing sustainable financing for primary health care.
“Africa is asking the world to see clearly – that mobility is not an exception, it is the continental pulse,” said Joshua Murule Mukekhe.
Region of the Americas: Amid rising migration driven by inequality, climate shocks, and political instability, priorities presented include ensuring continuity of care, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health, supported by innovative policies such as migrant inclusion in public health insurance.
“The human experience behind mobility must remain at the centre of our collective action,” said Ana María Lara Salinas.
Eastern Mediterranean Region: Protracted crises and climate emergencies demand a shift from short-term humanitarian responses to long-term health system strengthening.
“Migration and displacement are enduring realities of the 21st century. Health must remain a non-negotiable human right for all,” noted Dr Goran Zangana.
European Region: With political polarization and structural barriers to care shaping migrants’ health outcomes, priorities include cross-border health information sharing and mainstreaming diversity in health policy.
“Continuity of care across borders is essential. A prescription should not expire at the frontier,” emphasized Dr Lien Bruggeman.
South-East Asia Region: Migration intrinsic to the region, driven by economic necessity and climate-related disasters, calls for harmonized data systems, migrant inclusion in universal health coverage, and climate-resilient health preparedness.
“Climate displacement is rewriting migration patterns; our health systems must be ready before the next disaster arrives,” said Professor Sivakami Muthusamy.
Western Pacific Region: Large labour migration flows and acute climate vulnerability, especially in Pacific island nations, highlight the need for cross-country collaboration and a lifespan approach to care.
“Pacific nations are on the frontline of climate change. Health systems must be prepared for both gradual and sudden displacement,” said Associate Professor Georgia Paxton.
Looking ahead
The TAG’s first closed meeting took place on 25–26 November 2025, where members began shaping recommendations on data and monitoring, normative guidance, and capacity building to inform WHO’s strategic direction. A summary report outlining key recommendations and next steps will be published in the coming weeks.
Through evidence, collaboration, and shared accountability, the TAG aims to help ensure that no matter where people come from or where they are going, health remains a right that travels with them.