Activities

Migration and health is an increasingly important global public health priority. To address key health challenges of migration, current WHO/Europe activities include the following.

Technical assistance

WHO/Europe supports ministries of health to advance capacities and preparedness and to create refugee- and migrant-friendly health systems. It collaborates with Member States to organize in-country activities.

Policy development

WHO/Europe engages with countries and other agencies to support the development of health policies that include refugees and migrants, and to promote coherent and integrated health and migration policies at global, regional and national levels.

Health information, research and training

WHO/Europe develops expertise and competency across all relevant health and non-health actors by publishing evidence-based information on the health needs and challenges of different refugee and migrant groups, and by promoting research on migration and health. WHO/Europe also works closely with its collaborating centres for migration and health to engage in academic exchange and to strengthen research on migration and health in the European Region.

Advocacy and communication

To increase awareness about the health of refugees and migrants, WHO/Europe engages with governments, civil society and nongovernmental organizations. It promotes high-level advocacy and dialogue to foster discussions and knowledge-sharing to dispel fears and counter xenophobia. WHO/Europe creates platforms to encourage open dialogue and expand knowledge on the complex and interdisciplinary field of migration and health.