A Rapid Review of Evidence-Based Information, Best Practices and Lessons Learned in Addressing the Health Needs of Refugees and Migrants

Overview

Across the world there is an increasing trend in human migration. In 2017, 258 million people lived outside their country of origin, an increase of almost 50 per cent since the year 2000. Major increases have occurred across Asia, Europe and Northern America, with most migration occurring between countries of the same region.

Migration can deliver social and economic benefits for individuals, families and host countries. Nevertheless, migrants and refugees may experience inadequate access to health services, disruptions in care, human rights violations and discrimination. Large or rapid changes in the number, distribution and demographics of migrants and refugees across the globe can create new and increasing challenges for national health systems in the setting of limited resources and technical expertise.