News

WHO and the International Organization for Migration join forces to fight TB in north-west Syria 17-06-2021
Three WHO-established tuberculosis (TB) centres in north-west Syria have been serving the needs of hundreds of conflict-affected families, including internally displaced people, since summer 2019. In February 2021, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) joined this project to help ensure the highest possible recovery rate of 300 TB patients every month through the provision of adequate food.
WHO tri-regional policy dialogue seeks solutions for international mobility of health professionals 09-06-2021
In the context of collective efforts to address challenges related to the international mobility of health professionals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO regional directors for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, European Region and South-East Asia Region, Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge and Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, initiated a virtual tri-regional policy dialogue to review trends and policy responses.
“Leave No One Behind” film festival in Turkey draws attention to refugee and migrant health 19-05-2021
During its inaugural 7 day-long film festival entitled "Leave No One Behind", WHO Turkey showcased 6 documentaries and 1 fictional film, which focused on the lives of refugees and migrants forced to leave one country and set up home in another.
Refugees and migrants hosted in Serbian reception centres get their COVID-19 vaccine doses 12-05-2021
Refugees and migrants may live highly insecure lives, often in fear and without access to essential health and other services. Their living circumstances can also put them at heightened risk of COVID-19 infection, and the pandemic has consequently had a disproportionate impact on refugee and migrant communities.
For the common good: patients and health workers tell Regional Director of COVID-19 challenges and hopes for the future during country visit 28-04-2021
Health-care workers and patients were an important focus of WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge’s visit to Greece last week. During the second day of his visit, Dr Kluge spoke directly with health-care professionals and individuals at the accommodation site for refugees and migrants in Eleonas and the mega-vaccination centre Prometheus in Maroussi, northern Athens.
World Health Day: Putting equity at the heart of COVID-19 recovery 06-04-2021
COVID-19 has affected us all, but some have fared worse than others simply because of the jobs they do and the insecurity of their living conditions and livelihoods.
Syrian health workers in Turkey advance skills through distance learning during COVID-19 06-04-2021
Syrian health-care personnel in Turkey play a crucial role in facilitating access to essential health-care services for Syrian refugees and migrants, and in helping them overcome cultural and linguistic barriers. To support their professional development, training for Turkish and Syrian health-care personnel has been made accessible via a distance learning platform during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Syrian health-care workers respond to the health needs of refugees in Turkey 11-03-2021
In January 2018, the WHO Country Office in Turkey launched the project “Supporting the employment of Syrian personnel in the Turkish health system”. In the past 2 years, 671 Syrian staff have been recruited in cooperation with Turkey’s Ministry of Health, and have completed all necessary training for the provision of home care.
Personal story – Syrian case worker Mohamad: “I want to give back to the community” 14-01-2021
Just over a decade ago, Mohamad Yumn Alhayek’s plans for the future seemed clear-cut: graduate from the University of Aleppo as a trained physiotherapist; find a job; start a family. But the war that erupted in 2011 turned his life and the lives of millions of other Syrians upside down.
International Migrants Day 2020 – Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge meets a migrant health-care worker, “expert by experience” 18-12-2020
In a time when physical distancing is crucial, it is important to maintain social connections with one another. Learning about the ways in which each of us experience the COVID-19 pandemic can bring valuable insights into the commitment of communities and individuals to the collective public health response.
New publication outlines practical steps for refugee and migrant health data collection 17-12-2020
In collaboration with Uppsala University, WHO/Europe has published new technical guidance that outlines why and how Member States should collect refugee and migrant-specific health data through their national health information systems (HIS).
Ayat Al Huseein: refugee community psychosocial worker helps other refugees tackle mental health issues 15-12-2020
“In some ways, this job has helped me rebuild my own life. I can now help others heal and develop mental health resilience, too,” says Ayat Al Huseein, a thirty-year-old refugee from Syria, who left with her family by boat for Greece about three years ago and is now working as a psychosocial worker. She is part of a project offering refugees and asylum seekers psychosocial assistance.
How to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrant workers’ health 12-11-2020
New WHO interim guidance provides useful information on what Member States, health-care authorities and employers can do to protect migrant workers from COVID-19 and its repercussions. It further highlights the essential contribution of migrant workers to their host societies in the WHO European Region, and how COVID-19 preparedness, response and recovery activities are impacting migrant workers’ health.
WHO and EU help migrants access COVID-19 protective equipment in Turkey 04-11-2020
Turkey provides universal access to health services to all refugees and migrants, including irregular migrants. Hosted in dedicated centres for short periods of time before repatriating to their respective countries, irregular migrants are in need of equipment to protect themselves against COVID-19.
Mobile laboratory expands testing capacity and outreach in Lesvos 20-10-2020
Today, the mobile laboratory of the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) was set up and began operations in the newly built refugee camp in Kara Tepe on Lesvos island, Greece. The mobile laboratory was deployed at the request of the Greek authorities with financial support from WHO/Europe, under the framework of WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN).
WHO deploys help to refugees and migrants in Lesvos’s fire-burned camp in the midst of COVID-19 outbreak 24-09-2020
In a catastrophic fire that broke out on 8 September 2020, the Moria reception and identification centre for asylum seekers and refugees on Lesvos, Greece, was burned to the ground. The world turned its attention towards the Greek island as some 12 000 refugees and migrants were left without shelter, food or access to health-care services. With 35 refugees and migrants having tested positive to COVID-19 a few days prior to the fire, the situation was particularly urgent, calling for immediate action and coordination.
Patient guides build bridge between Syrian refugees and doctors in Turkey 07-08-2020
Muhammad Weso, Muhamad Zehra and Melek Nuur Fatistooglu play a crucial role in providing health services to Syrian refugees across Turkey.
WHO Regional Director for Europe signs agreement for new centre of excellence and visits Gaziantep, marking 60 years of cooperation with Turkey 22-07-2020
During a visit to Turkey on 8–10 July, at the invitation of Dr Fahrettin Koca, Turkey’s Minister of Health, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge signed the financial agreement with Turkey to establish a new WHO centre of excellence for Preparedness for Humanitarian and Health Emergencies.
Aref Bandary: a doctor, cultural mediator and migrant leading the COVID-19 response in refugee centres in Serbia 13-07-2020
“Perhaps one of the most important steps that we took in our response to COVID-19 has been engaging refugees and migrants inside the centres across the country,” says Aref Bandary, a doctor and cultural mediator originally from Iran working in the Serbian Commissariat for Refugees and Migration (SCRM) in Belgrade, Serbia.
WHO reinforces COVID-19 response efforts in Turkey: millions of protective items distributed 30-06-2020
Millions of masks, gloves, goggles and other items worth US$ 1.7 million were dispatched by WHO to protect health-care professionals and other frontline workers in Turkey from COVID-19, thanks to funding provided by the German government through KfW Development Bank. Through this funding, WHO has also assisted the Ministry of Health to track the spread of COVID-19 in Istanbul, one of the cities hit hardest by the pandemic.
Refugee nurse Ahmed Ahmed: working together to prevent COVID-19 infections in Turkey 19-06-2020
“During work I did not think about my refugee status, I did not feel separate from the common efforts of the Turkish health system. I was part of a united team with my Turkish colleagues. We kept each other motivated and encouraged one another to remain in high spirits. I do still miss seeing my colleagues’ smiles at work though, which are now covered by masks and protective equipment."
Stories of hope as refugees help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic 19-06-2020
As many countries in the WHO European Region still struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic, refugees and migrants are playing an important part in efforts to fight the coronavirus, supporting health systems and communities with their skills across the Region.
Embracing cultural diversity unlocks key resources for more inclusive health systems 20-05-2020
Held every year on 21 May, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is an opportunity to celebrate not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the importance of cultural competency and intercultural dialogue within health-care systems.
COVID-19: ensuring refugees and migrants are not left behind 16-04-2020
A WHO comment published in The Lancet highlights the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on refugees and migrants and the need to include them in outbreak response and readiness. Refugees and migrants, particularly those who are displaced and/or living in camps and camp-like settings, are faced with specific challenges and vulnerabilities that must be taken into consideration when preparing for or responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Measures against COVID-19 need to include refugees and migrants 30-03-2020
A new publication highlights the importance of addressing the needs of refugees and migrants when preparing for or responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Refugees and migrants, particularly those who are displaced and/or living in camps and camp-like settings, are faced with specific challenges and vulnerabilities that must be taken into consideration when planning for readiness and response operations.
Ensuring equitable access to health care for refugees and migrants in Turkey 04-02-2020
WHO/Europe is supporting Turkey in the design of primary health care service provision to refugees and migrants.
Promoting healthy lifestyles in the Autonomous Province of Trento, Italy: the “Move your health” project 21-01-2020
A new project to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce health inequalities is being implemented in 3 Italian provinces: Bolzano, Trento and Verona. Coordinated by the Local Heath Unit of the Autonomous Province of Trento, the "Move your health" project (an integrated path towards the prevention and management of overweight and obesity), proposes tools and initiatives aimed at helping families to choose healthier lifestyles and reducing health inequalities associated with outreach activities, involving migrant or socioeconomically disadvantaged families.
Migrant mothers receiving the support they need 18-12-2019
“We doulas build a bridge between the migrant women and the midwives. The midwives and doulas have different roles and by working together we create a calm environment, we make the women feel relaxed and safe,” says Rima Hanna, who has been a doula for over a year. Rima is originally from Syria but has been living in Sweden for more than 20 years. During her time as a doula, she estimates that she has helped about 70 women.
Building bridges for public health 13-12-2019
Building bridges for solidarity and public health was the focus of this year’s European Public Health (EPH) Conference organized by the European Public Health Association with the Société Française de Santé Publique, where attendees from WHO/Europe contributed on a range of topics from achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to migrant health.
Intercultural mediators to ensure equitable health care services 22-10-2019
A newly published WHO Health Evidence Network (HEN) synthesis report has found that intercultural mediators are highly effective in bridging linguistic and cultural gaps and are therefore indispensable to high-quality, comprehensive health care provision for refugees and migrants. However, the report also shows that the impact of intercultural mediators is hindered by a lack of professionalization, insufficient training and the non-systematic and inconsistent implementation of intercultural mediation programmes.
Day 3 highlights: Resolution on accelerating primary health care adopted 19-09-2019
WHO’s strengthened collaboration with the European Commission, the invaluable work of WHO country offices, and a resolution on 10 evidence-based policy accelerators for strengthening primary health care were in focus on Day 3 of the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC69).
Day 2 highlights: Dr Hans Kluge nominated next WHO Regional Director for Europe 17-09-2019
Member States of the WHO European Region nominated Dr Hans Kluge of Belgium as the next WHO Regional Director for Europe during a private session on Day 2 of the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC69).
WHO launches the third edition of the School on Refugee and Migrant Health, in Cesme, Turkey: From emergency response to long-term inclusion policies 16-07-2019
WHO/Europe is launching its third annual Summer School on Refugee and Migrant Health today in Çeşme, Turkey, under the theme “From emergency response to long-term inclusion policies”. The Summer School is delivered in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the European Public Health Association (EUPHA). It is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for countries on the front line of migration to access knowledge and share experience to address this growing phenomenon.
Learning from evidence and dismantling myths on refugee and migrant health in Turkey 01-07-2019
On 20 June 2019, World Refugee Day, WHO presented a report on the health status of refugees and migrants in the WHO European Region in Ankara, Turkey. The Turkish Ministry of Health, the European Union Delegation to Turkey, foreign missions, academia, and national experts in the field of refugee and migrant health attended the event, which was followed by a panel discussion.
Turkish and Syrian health workers stand together to deliver health services for refugees 19-06-2019
Before joining the Refugee Health Training Centre in Izmir, Turkey, in 2017 as Chief Doctor, Dr Umit Sezginer had never worked closely with anyone speaking a different language. He had devoted more than 10 years to delivering health care in several hospitals of this coastal city, but he felt he still had much to give to support the Syrian population in Turkey. Language, however, was a significant barrier. “The job was not easy in the beginning,” he explains. Turkish health-care workers could not communicate easily with Syrian patients and interpretation was doubling the time required for consultations. “This can become tiring for both the doctor and the patient, and more importantly, it can lead to miscommunication during medical examinations.”
Irish response to migration and health informed by WHO report 22-05-2019
On 13 May 2019 Limerick University in Ireland hosted a country presentation of the WHO report on the health of refugees and migrants in the WHO European Region.
Supporting Syrian refugees in Turkey with the health services and guidance they need 20-05-2019
With Syria’s health-care system shattered by years of conflict, patients with chronic diseases have seen their much-needed treatments interrupted. In Aleppo, Mohammed watched in desperation as his daughter Vale failed to receive the blood transfusion needed to treat thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder commonly found across Syria and other parts of the Middle East. “Before the war, Vale received her treatment from a local hospital,” he explains. “When the war began, she could not access the service anymore. For some months she didn’t get any blood transfusion; I was very scared.”
INMP becomes WHO collaborating centre, as WHO launches report on refugee and migrant health 10-05-2019
The Italian National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty (INMP) is a valuable extension of the long-standing cooperation that WHO has enjoyed with the Italian Ministry of Health.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: assessing the capacity of the health sector to manage large influxes of migrants and refugees 02-05-2019
Increasing numbers of migrants and refugees are travelling through Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach the European Union. Responding to this situation, WHO/Europe and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina conducted a joint assessment on 6–12 April 2019.
Refugees and migrants in Serbia now have access to the same quality health care as the host population, officials say 01-05-2019
The comments were made at a presentation in Belgrade, showcasing the achievements of Serbia’s health-care system in improving services for migrants and refugees with the support of the European Union.
Photo story – The human impact of WHO’s Refugee Health Programme in Turkey 12-03-2019
Millions of refugees have fled Syria over the past 8 years of conflict. Today, many are seeking to build new lives elsewhere, including in neighbouring countries such as Turkey – host to the largest number of Syrian refugees in the world. WHO’s Refugee Health Programme in Turkey, established in 2016, aims to support Turkey’s Ministry of Health in ensuring that Syrian refugees have access to culturally sensitive health services with the same standard as those offered to other residents and citizens. These efforts align directly with WHO’s target, outlined in the 13th General Programme of Work, to ensure that 1 billion more people are protected from health emergencies, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals. This photo series highlights some of the ways in which the programme has directly impacted the lives of Syrian men, women and children now living in Turkey.
Migrants and refugees at higher risk of developing ill health than host populations, reveals first-ever WHO report on the health of displaced people in Europe 21-01-2019
Migrants and refugees are likely to have good general health, but they can be at risk of falling sick in transition or while staying in receiving countries due to poor living conditions or adjustments in their lifestyle. This is the main conclusion of the first “Report on the health of refugees and migrants in the WHO European Region”, released by the WHO Regional Office for Europe today.
WHO launches technical guidance series on the health of refugees and migrants 18-12-2018
WHO is marking International Migrants Day on 18 December 2018 with the launch of a technical guidance series on the health of refugees and migrants. Produced in collaboration with the European Commission, each publication addresses a specific aspect of the health of refugees and migrants by providing tools, case studies and evidence to inform practices and policies to improve their health.
Global pact on migration to ensure fundamental human rights for migrants in all policies and practices 15-12-2018
An intergovernmental conference concluded 18 months of consultation and negotiation with the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) on 11 December 2018.
New report on addressing communication barriers for refugees and migrants in the WHO European Region 05-12-2018
The provision of effective health care to linguistically and culturally diverse migrant populations is a critical public health challenge. Communication barriers can severely hamper refugee and migrants’ access to, and use of, health-care services. To help inform the development of national policies, a new Health Evidence Network (HEN) synthesis report has been published summarizing the best available evidence on strategies to address communication barriers for refugees and migrants in health-care settings across the WHO European Region. This is the 9th report of the HEN themed issues on migration and health.
WHO Summer School on Refugee and Migrant Health: sharing experiences and best practices 15-10-2018
The second annual WHO Summer School on Refugee and Migrant Health recently brought together more than 80 participants from nearly 20 countries around the globe to exchange experiences and best practices related to improving the health and well-being of migrants and refugees.
WHO School on Refugee and Migrant Health to build on existing capacities for providing care 24-09-2018
The hazardous journey many refugees and migrants make to get to Europe puts those who arrive at greater risk of health issues. This year, the journey is even more dangerous, making the efforts of WHO, governments and civil society organizations to address the health challenges of survivors even more important.
Day 4 highlights: countries at the centre of health work 20-09-2018
“It is now clearer than ever that we need to be bolder and reach further, to engage effectively with all those that have a stake in health,” said Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab on the final day of RC68. Many non-State actors were accredited to attend future sessions of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, and Member States applauded the work of country offices.
Day 3 highlights: Strategy on the health and well-being of men in the WHO European Region adopted 19-09-2018
Why do men die prematurely, and what can be done to change this? And how do we advance public health to meet future societal needs? The Region now has stronger tools to answer these questions, following today’s adoption of the Strategy on the health and well-being of men and a 10-point action plan on public health.
Day 1 highlights: RC68 opens 17-09-2018
“Health investment is the smartest investment – it pays off,” said WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab in her opening address on the first day of the 68th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe. This was a common theme also raised by the WHO Director-General and delegates alike.
Europe tops rankings on life satisfaction index, but findings expose not for all and not everywhere, WHO says 14-09-2018
WHO Regional Committee for Europe annual meeting in Rome will discuss new findings on health and well-being of people in Europe and track progress against key health targets
Primary health care: the bridge to universal health coverage in Greece 28-06-2018
Greece is committed to providing effective health care to everyone living in the country – migrants and Greek citizens alike. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, and Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe made an official visit to the country on 20–21 June 2018.
World Refugee Day: WHO trains Syrian refugees to serve as home-care staff to older and disabled refugees in Turkey 19-06-2018
Each day, Aaliyah* wakes up to a dark sky in her home near the Mediterranean city of Mersin, in southern Turkey. Before leaving the house to catch the first bus of the day, she checks on her sister Lilah*, bedridden since a bomb hit the family house in the Syrian city of Homs. The explosion caused burns all over her body as the roof fell over her head. She is now unable to walk, move her hands or even talk.
HEN report describes effective services to prevent, diagnose and treat TB among refugees and migrants 18-06-2018
A new Health Evidence Network (HEN) report examines evidence of effective and efficient service packages for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) among refugees and migrants in the WHO European Region. This latest HEN report (#56), commissioned to inform related policies and strategies in the Region, was jointly developed by the Division of Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation, the Division of Policy and Governance for Health and Well-being and the Division of Communicable Diseases, Health Security and Environment.
Strategic country mission to Libya advances health of migrants and displaced people 25-05-2018
A high-level WHO mission to Libya took place on 4–7 May 2018 to review the migrant health situation in the country, to identify the immediate public health needs and discuss the best ways to address them. The mission was led by Dr Ranieri Guerra, WHO Assistant Director General of Special Initiatives, and it included Dr Jaffar Hussain, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Libya; Dr Santino Severoni, Coordinator of Public Health and Migration for WHO/Europe; and Dr Ali Ardalan, Emergency Coordinator WHO Libya. The high-level mission was a joint effort of WHO headquarters, WHO/Europe and the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, in line with WHO’s interregional collaboration approach.
Closing the gap in universal health coverage 09-05-2018
Even in countries with robust health-care systems there are undocumented individuals who are not able to access routine care or basic prescription medicines.
Support for migrant women giving birth far from home 04-05-2018
The increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among migrant women has been well evidenced in research and reviews. Swedish midwives have taken action in response to evidence, and also to the need to improve experiences of care during pregnancy and birth among migrant women. In both Malmö and Halmstad, midwives have trained bilingual community-based doulas to support migrant women during pregnancy and childbirth.
Migration and health: finding effective solutions in Turkey 17-04-2018
Health experts and representatives of ministries of health, United Nations agencies, universities and civil societies gathered to focus on identifying effective responses to the health issues of the increasing number of refugees in Turkey during a workshop in Ankara on 26–27 March 2018.
Celebrating the contribution of migrants to communities across Europe 18-12-2017
In the WHO European Region, there are more than 87 million international migrants, accounting for approximately 9.6% of the total population. On International Migrants Day, WHO/Europe recognizes and celebrates the important role that migrants play, and the great economic and social benefits arising from migration. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development also recognizes the positive contribution of migrants.
New HEN report reveals gaps in protection of refugees and migrants from vaccine-preventable diseases 21-11-2017
Refugees and migrants should be vaccinated without unnecessary delay according to the immunization schedules of their host countries. This is the guidance provided by a joint recommendation of WHO, the United Nations Children’s Fund and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
University of Pécs designated as WHO Collaborating Centre for migration and health 21-11-2017
The department of Operational Medicine of the University of Pécs, Hungary has been designated as a WHO Collaborating Centre for training and research on migration and health. To mark the occasion, a ceremony was held during which Dr Piroska Östlin, Director of the Division of Policy and Governance for Health and Well-being at WHO/Europe, presented the designation letter from the WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Zsuzsana Jakab to Prof. Dr. Tit István Szilárd, co-chair of the Collaborating Centre.
Day 1 highlights: RC67 opens 11-09-2017
Strong partnerships and collaboration to deliver on ambitious health goals – this was the recurring theme emphasized by high-level speakers and delegates on the first day of the 67th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC67).
Summer School sets course for intercountry collaboration and capacity-building on refugee and migrant health 19-07-2017
On 10–14 July, WHO/Europe held its inaugural Summer School on Refugee and Migrant Health in Syracuse, Italy. The Summer School served as the starting point for a vast collaborative effort to learn about and improve the way the WHO European Region protects and promotes the health of refugees and migrants.
Rescue in the Mediterranean: learning from the Italian experience 18-07-2017
Following the February 2016 closure of the “Balkan route” from Greece through the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to Serbia, Italy has served as the main point of entry to Europe for migrants and refugees. The International Organization for Migration reports that between 1 January and 4 June 2017, a total of 71 418 migrants and refugees entered Europe by sea; nearly 85% arrived in Italy.
Research and collaboration help enhance health communication for refugees and migrants in Sweden 14-07-2017
Refugees and migrants often arrive to new countries in the most desperate of situations, needing immediate help and care – particularly in terms of their health and well-being. An often overlooked but critically important consideration regarding refugees is the long-term, sustainable health information and support they receive after reaching their country of destination.
WHO kicks off Summer School on Refugee and Migrant Health with global participation, broad support 14-07-2017
This week WHO/Europe launched its first annual Summer School on Refugee and Migrant Health in Syracuse, Italy. The course, focused on managing the public health aspects of migration, welcomed participants and representatives from 30 countries around the world, including government officials and academia. All are committed to a collaborative process for making progress in health and migration.
As refugee and migrant arrivals steadily increase, WHO invests in Europe’s public health response 07-07-2017
The first WHO Summer School on Refugee and Migrant Health will take place on 10–14 July in Syracuse, Italy, with the theme “Managing the public health aspects of migration”. Over 1.3 million people have arrived to Europe by the Mediterranean Sea since 2015, and almost 3 million Syrian refugees are now living in Turkey. The course will proactively address the public health response to this phenomenon, and stimulate expert-driven knowledge transfer, intercountry collaboration and capacity-building within countries.
World Refugee Day: WHO/Europe reaffirms its dedication to broadening collaboration and knowledge transfer on migration and health 20-06-2017
On World Refugee Day, the WHO European Region is reminded of the importance of addressing the health needs of refugees and migrants as they arrive in Europe. WHO/Europe’s Programme on Health and Migration is dedicated to promoting public health access and developing evidence-informed practices to assist countries in receiving large numbers of people. Critical to meeting the needs of large arrivals of migrants is enhanced platforms for cross-cutting collaboration, knowledge transfer and gathering good practices.
World Health Assembly Day 8: progress on addressing noncommunicable diseases in focus 31-05-2017
Delegates endorsed an updated set of policy options and interventions to help countries meet global targets to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). It places a particular focus on measures to reduce people’s exposure to factors that increase the risk of developing NCDs. These include taxing tobacco and sugar-sweetened beverages, banning tobacco advertising and reformulating food products to reduce salt content.
Regular vaccination of migrant population protects most vulnerable and helps Turkey maintain momentum towards measles elimination 28-04-2017
Greece set to tackle migration challenges with proactive reforms 10-04-2017
With over 62 000 refugees and migrants stranded in Greece, the need is imminent for effective health care reform that addresses the health needs of migrant populations. On 28 March 2017 in Athens, the Ministry of Health of Greece hosted a policy dialogue in cooperation with WHO/Europe to initiate its collaborative health care reform programme.
Migrant populations, including children, at higher risk of mental health disorders 07-04-2017
Refugees, asylum seekers and irregular migrants are at heightened risk for certain mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress, depression and psychosis. Since 2015, over 1.3 million refugees and migrants have arrived to European countries by the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, almost 3 million Syrian refugees are living in Turkey.
ERS-WHO/Europe survey of TB screening practices among refugees reveals need for improved coordination to end TB 15-03-2017
Results from a survey by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the WHO Regional Office for Europe show great variations among countries in tuberculosis (TB) screening practices among refugees.
A journey interrupted: the changing health needs of refugees and migrants stranded in Greece 02-03-2017
Greece has been on the front line of a large influx of refugees and migrants to the WHO European Region. Since the popular “Balkan route” out of the country shut down one year ago, refugees and migrants who had arrived in Greece expecting to stay only briefly have found their journeys interrupted. Today, more than 50 000 people wait in tent camps across Greece – stranded.
What is a migrant? How definitions affect access to health care 02-03-2017
Migrant, immigrant, refugee, asylum seeker – these terms are often used interchangeably in popular parlance, as if the specific term makes no difference. Yet for the individual, the label assigned to them can be life-changing.
Knowledge management project launched to better address migrant health care needs 01-03-2017
The WHO Regional Office for Europe, Migration and Health Programme has launched an initiative to respond to knowledge gaps related to refugee and migrant health. Migration and Health Knowledge Management, or MIHKMA, is a collaborative project with the European Commission Directorate General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) aimed at raising awareness, fostering and disseminating knowledge, and increasing adoption of migrant-health good practices and evidence-based approaches across European Union (EU) countries.
Health and well-being depend on action at city level 01-03-2017
The city of Pécs is hosting the 2017 WHO European Healthy Cities Network Annual Business and Technical Conference, which opens today. This year’s theme is “Building Healthy Cities: inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”.
Migration-themed edition of Public Health Panorama out now 01-02-2017
The latest Public Health Panorama takes an in-depth look at migration and health, from the challenges to the solutions. Volume 2 Issue 4 kicks off with an editorial from WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, telling the story of her visit to Trapani in Italy, a harbour city on the frontline of the migration crisis. Dr Jakab comments that much has been learned about how to respond to the health needs of migrating people and it is being implemented, as the Trapani example shows. She refers to this issue of Panorama as “especially timely”, as it arrives at just the right moment to spread best practice and knowledge throughout the Region.
Cold weather increases health risks for refugees and migrants in Serbia and other countries in the Region 18-01-2017
As cold temperatures continue across the WHO European Region, conditions worsen for those in the most vulnerable situations, including refugees and migrants stranded in countries. When refugees and migrants sleep outdoors or in cold shelters at temperatures below 16 °C, they are prone to hypothermia, frostbite and other poor health conditions. Their risk increases if they lack proper clothing, food and medical care. The elderly, children, people with health problems and people who abuse alcohol are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of cold weather.
Technical briefing: unaccompanied minors in Europe – implications for health, social and education sectors 22-12-2016
A technical briefing on unaccompanied minors (UAMs) in Europe was held during the High-level conference on working together for better health and well-being, which took place on 7-8 December 2016 in Paris, France.
First WHO global meeting on the development of an organization-wide framework on health and migration 21-12-2016
More than ever before, people are on the move. By the end of 2015 there were an estimated total of 250 million international migrants, which is equivalent to 3.5% of the world’s population. This represents an increase of 77 million or 41% compared to the year 2000. In addition, there are an estimated 21 million refugees and 763 million internal migrants worldwide, which is equivalent to 11% of the world’s population. This rapid increase of population movement has important public health implications, and therefore requires an adequate response from the health sector.
WHO/Europe supports the Serbian health system’s response to prolonged stay of refugees and migrants 20-12-2016
Around 6400 refugees, asylum seekers and migrants are estimated to be currently living in Serbia. Of these, 84% are accommodated in government facilities; the remaining 16% are staying in Belgrade and on the border with Hungary. On 21–22 November 2016, Dr Santino Severoni, WHO/Europe Coordinator of Public Health and Migration, and Dr Zsofia Pusztai, Head of the WHO Country Office in Belgrade, met with key stakeholders from the Government and international organizations to discuss the development of a contingency plan to improve the Serbian health system’s capacity to accommodate the prolonged stay of refugees and migrants, while also preparing for potential new influxes
Regional Director visits Trapani to see the frontlines of migration in Sicily 16-12-2016
On 14–15 November 2016, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab visited the southern Italian region of Sicily to launch the new European Knowledge Hub on Health and Migration. During her visit, she also had the opportunity to conduct a site visit to the Trapani hotspot and harbour, which receives approximately 10% of all refugee and migrant arrivals to Italy. She met with local authorities, health professionals and other first responders in charge of managing the large number of refugees and migrants arriving to the island.
International Migrants Day: Working to achieve equitable, quality health care for all migrants in the European Region 16-12-2016
Recent events in Africa and the Middle East have led to a dramatic increase in migration to the WHO European Region – nearly 380 000 people have arrived in Europe and over 4700 have been found dead or reported missing at sea in 2016 alone. To mark International Migrants Day on 18 December, WHO/Europe offers first-hand insight into the reality of the frontlines of migration in the Region.
Maternal health and migration – a new HEN report outlines evidence for tackling inequalities 15-12-2016
Women and girls are particularly susceptible to the health consequences of migration. Massive surges in migration in recent years in Europe have highlighted a need to develop and apply common indicators on migration and health to inform good policy decision-making across the WHO European Region, especially concerning this vulnerable group.
Mental health, public health and migration 15-12-2016
Migration has been a much-discussed issue in recent years, and the rapid growth in numbers of migrants arriving in Europe has necessitated a humanitarian response and put pressure on health systems. Mental health is a key issue for migrants, and is likely to be a long-term feature of health care provision in Europe.
First WHO toolkit to strengthen Europe’s health response to migration 15-12-2016
Over one million refugees and migrants arrived in Europe by sea in 2015. 2016 has become the deadliest year ever for these travellers, with over 4700 people found dead or missing at sea so far. Sudden and large influxes of refugees and migrants can disrupt entire health systems in countries of transit and destination, if these are not adequately prepared. While the health problems of refugees and migrants are similar to those of the rest of the population, many suffer from physical and psychological illnesses associated with exposure to conflicts and violence at departure, as well as from the consequences of the journey and the living conditions on arrival.
WHO launches European Knowledge Hub on Health and Migration 15-11-2016
WHO today launched the first ever European Knowledge Hub on Health and Migration, with financial support provided by the Regional Health Council of Sicily, Italy. The Knowledge Hub will support the work of those who deal directly with the health aspects of migration, serving as a repository for scientific evidence on the subject.
Slovakia committed to strengthen its public health capacities to respond to the needs of migrants 28-10-2016
Migration is one of the great challenges that the European Region is facing nowadays, and European countries are searching for solutions to respond to its public health implications. For this purpose, the Slovak Ministry of Health has requested assistance from WHO/Europe in order to build capacity for a potential increase in the number of asylum seekers and other migrants arriving to the country.
Day 3 highlights: agreement on women’s health strategy and action plans for HIV and viral hepatitis 14-09-2016
Dr Margaret Chan welcomed the WHO Regional Committee for Europe’s adoption of a European strategy for women’s health as well as action plans for both HIV and viral hepatitis in her plenary address, affirming the WHO European Region’s position at the forefront of global health developments.
Day 2 highlights: RC66 adopts European strategy and action plan for refugee and migrant health 13-09-2016
On the second day of the 66th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC66), Member States and partners warmly received the development of a regional roadmap to guide the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and a strategy and action plan for refugee and migrant health in the WHO European Region.
WHO governing body for the European Region convenes with eight strategic proposals on the agenda 08-09-2016
At the 66th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, to be held in Copenhagen from 12 to 15 September, representatives from the 53 countries in the WHO European Region will debate a set of innovative action plans that affect public health. The plans call for accelerated action and stronger political commitment on refugee and migrant health, women’s health, sexual and reproductive health, noncommunicable diseases, HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, integrated health services and the use of data in public health.
World Humanitarian Day: recognizing our shared humanity and ensuring health for the Region’s most vulnerable 19-08-2016
A record 130 million people around the world are dependent on humanitarian assistance to survive. World Humanitarian Day reminds us of the need to act on behalf of these people and offers an opportunity to honour humanitarian aid workers. In the WHO European Region, humanitarian workers – many of whom are health workers – carry out their critical work in a variety of ways and settings.
WHO/Europe stands with refugees on World Refugee Day 20-06-2016
Over 1 million refugees and migrants arrived in European countries in 2015, and more than 200 000 have arrived during the first 5 months of 2016. On World Refugee Day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reminds us to "recall our common humanity, celebrate tolerance and diversity and open our hearts to refugees everywhere". WHO/Europe reaffirms that it stands with refugees, both within the Region and around the world.
Symposium on migration and global health diplomacy in Gaziantep 03-06-2016
Solidarity and multisectoral collaboration in health humanitarian and emergency responses took centre stage at a symposium on migration and global health diplomacy at Gaziantep University in Turkey on 17 May 2016.
Closing of the World Health Assembly: WHO Framework for Engagement with Non-State Actors adopted 01-06-2016
The World Health Assembly has adopted the WHO Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors (FENSA), after more than 2 years of intergovernmental negotiations.
World Humanitarian Summit shines spotlight on the world's most vulnerable, spurs action to meet their needs 30-05-2016
The first World Humanitarian Summit was convened in Istanbul, Turkey, on 23–24 May 2016. A total of 9 000 participants from 173 Member States of the United Nations met to discuss the pressing challenges that are driving suffering and humanitarian needs to unprecedented heights. The participants included 55 heads of state and government, hundreds of representatives of the private sector and thousands of people from civil society and nongovernmental organizations. The Summit brought to global attention the fact that a new, coherent approach is required to address the needs of more than 130 million of the world's most vulnerable people. Humanitarian assistance alone can neither adequately deal with nor sustainably reduce those needs.
Interregional workshop on tuberculosis control and care Interregional workshop for tuberculosis (TB) control and care among refugee and migrant populations 27-05-2016
With the support of the Ministry of Health of Italy, WHO/Europe organized an interregional workshop on tuberculosis (TB) control and care among refugees and migrant populations in Catania, Italy, on 10–11 May 2016.
The National Meeting of Italian Healthy Cities Network focuses on migration health 23-05-2016
Palermo, in the region of Sicily, between 12 and 13 May 2016, hosted the 14th National Meeting of the Italian Healthy Cities Network, which in 2016 focused on migration health. The Meeting emphasized that to be a healthy city means, first of all, to reduce inequalities among people including unequal access to health care.
Greece extends vaccination to refugees and migrants 29-04-2016
Two vaccination campaigns for the refugee and migrant population in Greece will begin in early May 2016, in order to ensure that all those who require vaccination receive it. Vaccination will be provided according to Greece's national immunization schedule. The first campaign, led by Médecins sans Frontières (MSF), will cover approximately 6000 individuals in Idomeni, and the second will cover approximately 20 000 individuals in the rest of the country.
European Parliament discusses universal health coverage for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants 27-04-2016
As Europe is currently experiencing an unprecedented influx of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, the Greens/European Free Alliance (EFA) political group in the European Parliament invited WHO/Europe in April 2016 to discuss the concept of universal health coverage and access to care in this particular context.
Poland unites to end tuberculosis (TB) 15-04-2016
On 24 March 2016, Poland celebrated World TB Day with a conference reporting the country's progress in the last 10 years, including an almost 30% decline in the TB incidence rate to 17.4 per 100 000 population.
WHO scaling up collaboration with Hellenic Ministry of Health in view of changing migration patterns 21-03-2016
In 2016, 144 000 people have already arrived in Greece, of which 96 have died and 36 are missing.
TB elimination at stake unless Europe cares urgently for vulnerable, poor and marginalized populations and migrants 17-03-2016
New data released by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and WHO/Europe ahead of World TB Day show that an estimated 340 000 Europeans had tuberculosis (TB) in 2014, corresponding to a rate of 37 cases per 100 000 population.
New multilingual websites on sexual and reproductive health for migrants 15-03-2016
Two websites that aim to increase the sexual and reproductive health literacy of migrants and to improve their knowledge on available sexual and reproductive health services in Belgium and Germany were recently launched.
Towards a European strategy for women’s health 08-03-2016
Just over half of the 900 million people living in the WHO European Region (463 million) are women.
New HEN reports on migration and health: towards a better understanding of health and migration in the WHO European Region 23-02-2016
On 16–17 February 2016, the second Health Evidence Network (HEN) writing workshop in Venice, Italy was hosted by the WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development and the Division of Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation.
Collaboration on refugee and migrant health 21-01-2016
Countries in the WHO European Region have agreed to prepare a common framework for coordinated collaboration and action on refugee and migrant health, based on solidarity and mutual assistance and in the spirit of the 2030 Sustainable Development agenda, whereby "no one should be left behind".
“Europe is Europe because of migration”: highlights from day 2 of the high-level conference on refugee and migrant health 24-11-2015
Recapping discussions from the first day, Dr Santino Severoni noted that delegates recognized that the current massive refugee, asylum seeker and other migrant influx in Europe is an urgent public health concern for all Member States in the Region.
“We cannot turn away our eyes”: highlights from day 1 of the high-level conference on refugee and migrant health 24-11-2015
Opening the meeting, Beatrice Lorenzin, Minister of Health of Italy read a short statement from His Holiness Pope Francis welcoming those attending the Conference, calling on them to bring wisdom, strength and peace to the discussions.
WHO, UNICEF and UNHCR call for equitable access to vaccines for refugees and migrants 23-11-2015
In this joint guidance, WHO, the United Nation's Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) underline that refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants should have non-discriminatory and equitable access to health care services, including vaccines, irrespective of their legal status. The United Nations agencies do not recommend vaccination at border crossings unless there is an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease in the host or transit country. Instead they recommend that refugees and migrants should be vaccinated without unnecessary delay according to the national immunization schedules of the country where they are envisioned to reside for more than a week.
European health decision-makers meet for high-level discussion on refugee and migrant health 23-11-2015
Amid the unprecedented influx of refugees and migrants into the WHO European Region, the meeting will address the major health challenges, needs and priorities of these groups
WHO Regional Director visits Slovenia 02-11-2015
Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, Regional Director of WHO/Europe, made an official visit to Slovenia on 29–30 October 2015. At a meeting in Vila Podrožnik, organized by Ms Milojka Kolar-Celarc, Minister of Health of Slovenia, the Regional Director met with Mr Miro Cerar, Prime Minister of Slovenia, and Mr Dušan Mramor, the Minister of Finance.
WHO/Europe supports Member States in strengthening public health evidence-informed policies for refugees and migrants 30-10-2015
In response to the current refugee and migrant crisis, WHO/Europe has published 3 new reports on the public health aspects of migration and health.
Statement - The challenges of migration require migrant-sensitive health systems for today and for the future 29-10-2015
Statement by Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe
WHO/Europe and the Ministry of Health of Hungary conduct a joint assessment of refugee and migrant health in Hungary 27-10-2015
The WHO Regional Office for Europe and the Ministry of Health of Hungary conducted a joint assessment mission on 12–16 October 2015 to analyse the public health implications of large arrivals of refugees and migrants and the capacity of the Hungarian health system to cope.
WHO and Ministry of Health assess health system capacity to manage large migration in Albania 21-10-2015
From 29 September to 3 October 2015, WHO/Europe and the Ministry of Health of Albania conducted a joint assessment to analyze the country's current capacity to manage a potential large influx of refugees and migrants.
WHO and the Ministry of Health strengthen response to refugee and migrant crisis in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 20-10-2015
According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the number of refugees and migrants crossing the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the way to west-European countries significantly increased during the last month.
WHO nutrition experts support health sector response to large influx of refugees and migrants in Serbia 09-10-2015
With specific focus on the nutrition of infants and children, a joint WHO/Europe and WHO headquarters team of experts in nutrition and health visited Serbia to assess these aspects related to the influx of refugees/migrants and the country's capacity to respond to the emerging needs.
Food, water and health care: WHO reviews basic services for refugees crossing Serbia 09-10-2015
Recently, up to 2000 refugees and migrants a day have been travelling through the north-western town of Sid in Serbia, towards Croatia. WHO is working with national and local authorities to address the health needs of all people on the move, providing guidance on basic health services, and distributing medical supplies.
Medical professionals trained in refugee and migrant health in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 05-10-2015
WHO/Europe, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, trained over 150 medical professionals and Red Cross volunteers in preparing and responding to the health needs of refugees and migrants at three 1-day workshops in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Between 3000 and 7000 people currently enter the country daily.
Refugees and migrants are more prone to foodborne diseases 24-09-2015
Refugees and migrants typically become ill during their journey, especially in overcrowded settlements. Living conditions can lead to unsanitary conditions for obtaining, storing or preparing food, and overcrowding increases the likelihood of outbreaks of food- and waterborne diseases. Examples of such diseases are salmonellosis, shigellosis, campylobacteriosis and norovirus and hepatitis A infections.
Day 4 highlights: RC65 adopts new tuberculosis action plan and closes 17-09-2015
Highlights of the final day of the 65th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC65) included adoption of the action plan, agreement on closer cooperation between WHO/Europe and the European Commission and a description of countries' experience in addressing the migration crisis in Europe.
Refugee crisis in Europe: update on the situation and WHO response 17-09-2015
The large and growing influx of refugees and migrants to countries in the WHO European Region necessitates an urgent response to these people's health needs. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that over 410 000 refugees and migrants have reached Europe by sea in 2015, while 2900 lost their lives in the Mediterranean Sea during their dangerous journey.
Day 1 highlights: RC65 opens with emphasis on intersectoral action 14-09-2015
HRH The Crown Princess of Denmark and the WHO Regional Director for Europe opened the 65th session of the Regional Committee (RC65), recognizing intersectoral action as its overarching theme. The President of the Republic of Lithuania welcomed over 300 delegates to Vilnius.
WHO supports European countries in managing health needs of refugee and migrant influxes 14-09-2015
In response to the growing numbers of refugees and migrants arriving in the European Region, WHO supports countries by offering medical supplies, assessing national preparedness to assist people in need, training personnel at points of entry in public health and migration matters, and providing information materials.
WHO country office provides support to migrants and refugees in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 11-09-2015
The country continues to face an increased influx of refugees and migrants seeking to cross the country to reach Germany, Sweden and other European Union Member States further north.
Population movement is a challenge for refugees and migrants as well as for the receiving population 02-09-2015
The large influx of refugees and migrants to countries of the WHO European Region, which has escalated in the past few months, calls for an urgent, concerted response to their health needs. Actions are needed between and within countries as well as among sectors.
South-Trøndelag County, Norway: challenges of rapidly changing demographics 02-09-2015
On 28 August 2015, Ms Brit Skjelbred, County Governor and Dr Jan Vaage, Chief County Medical Officer of South-Trøndelag County, Norway, led a delegation of 32 people on an official visit to WHO/Europe where they met Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
HEN writing workshop for the development of evidence synthesis reports on migration and health 23-07-2015
The WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development hosted the Health Evidence Network (HEN) writing workshop on 13–15 July 2015 in Venice, Italy.
Serbia assesses health system capacity to manage large migration 09-07-2015
The Ministry of Health of Serbia and WHO/Europe conducted a joint assessment of the country's capacity to cope with the public health challenges of migration from a health system perspective.
Public Health Panorama – the WHO Regional Office for Europe’s new bilingual public health journal 30-06-2015
The WHO Regional Office for Europe has published the first issue of its new quarterly journal of public health. Public Health Panorama features good practice in policy and research in public health from across the European Region; it is published online and in print in both English and Russian.
Launch of joint report on Malta’s health-system capacity to manage large migration 24-06-2015
On 16–17 June 2015, the Maltese Ministry for Energy and Health and WHO/Europe presented the joint report "Malta: assessing health-system capacity to manage sudden, large influxes of migrants" in Valletta, Malta.
Internal consultation to finalize toolkit assessing local health system capacity to manage large influxes of migrants 19-06-2015
On 5 June 2015, the WHO/Europe Public Health Aspects of Migration (PHAME) project presented and discussed a toolkit for assessing health system capacity to manage large influxes of migrants.
New report on migration in Italy 19-06-2015
On 4 June 2015, the Expo Milano 2015 Conference Centre in Milan, Italy hosted a one-day event to present the 24th report on migration by Caritas Italiana and Fondazione Migrantes entitled "Migrants: actors for development".
Strengthening the evidence on migration and chronic diseases in Italy 19-06-2015
On 18 May 2015, the WHO/Europe Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe (PHAME) project, in collaboration with the University of Cà Foscari in Venice, Italy, and the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), launched a report on immigration and chronic diseases in Italy.
Stepping up action on migrant and refugee health 18-06-2015
Since June 2013, with the generous support of the Government of Italy, the WHO Regional Office for Europe has conducted many assessment missions and piloted a toolkit with ministries of health to assess how their health systems could manage large influxes of migrants. 20 June is World Refugee Day.
Health a priority for European Development Days 17-06-2015
"The Ebola outbreak has been a wake-up call for the international community. WHO is taking steps to make sure that the world will never again be taken by surprise", said WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan in her opening remarks at this year's European Development Days forum on 4 June 2015.
From the migration front line: interview with Lampedusa doctor 27-04-2015
"You have to believe me, we are making miracles here," said Dr Pietro Bartolo, head of health services on Lampedusa, about the work of health care staff and coastguard personnel on the small Italian island, in a recent interview with WHO/Europe.
Implementing migrant care initiatives, beyond language and cultural barriers 07-04-2015
On 26-27 March 2015 the University of Limerick hosted a two-day conference to present the findings of the RESTORE project (REsearch into implementation STrategies to support patients of different ORigins and language background in a variety of European primary care settings), funded by the European Commission and composed of researchers from eight universities across Europe. The workshops and seminars covered the areas of cultural competence, implementation research and access to health care.
Countries of South-eastern Europe come together to discuss common policy approaches to health and migration 01-04-2015
On 19-20 March 2015, representatives from the Ministries of Health of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Israel, the United Nations Administered Province of Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia met in Tirana, Albania, for a two-day workshop on public health policies for migration.
WHO/Europe organized a workshop to finalize the first toolkit addressing the health-system capacity to manage large and sudden influxes of migrants 20-03-2015
In the framework of the project Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe(PHAME) of the WHO Regional Office for Europe a two-day technical workshop was held in Palermo, Sicily, on 19-20 February. The event was organized with the support of the Health Regional Councillor of the Sicily region and the Sicilian Medical Association and brought together 15 technical experts from the Ministries of Health of Italy, Portugal, Greece and Malta and WHO/Europe.
Bulgaria assesses health system capacity to manage large migration 17-03-2015
The Ministry of Health of Bulgaria and WHO/Europe recently conducted a joint assessment of the country's capacity to cope with the public health challenges of migration from a health system perspective. The assessment took place in view of the increasing number of migrants crossing the Bulgarian border since 2013.
The challenge of migration and tuberculosis in Eastern Europe and Central Asia 10-03-2015
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a serious threat to the health of individuals and public health in the European region. TB is estimated to cause more than 40 new cases and 4 deaths every hour in our region. Even though much work has already been done, progress is still needed to achieve timely prevention, diagnosis and adequate treatment. In Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries, labour migrants arriving specially to Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are facing great difficulties in accessing quality health services, including TB services.
Irish Foreign Affairs Committee discusses WHO/Europe work on migration and health 27-01-2015
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Irish Houses of the Oireachtas welcomed in January 2015 a presentation by the team of the WHO/Europe project ‘Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe’ (PHAME). The session focused mainly on the work of the WHO Regional Office for Europe on migrants’ health since the 2011 large arrivals of immigrants to southern Mediterranean countries. Furthermore, the upcoming process to map out priorities, challenges and common approaches across the region was also discussed, focusing on the current situation of northern European countries.
Intersectoral collaboration between the Italian Ministries of Health and Interior on migration and health 21-01-2015
The WHO Regional Office for Europe conducts a joint health and migration mission in Greece on International Migrants Day 05-01-2015
The Ministry of Health of Greece through the Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention (HCDCP/KEELPNO), and the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe through the project ‘Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe’ (PHAME) have conducted a mission in Greece on 15 – 19 December 2014 aimed at strengthening the health-system capacity to better respond to the public health needs of large influxes of migrants.
Malta launches food and nutrition policy and action plan 19-12-2014
Dietary factors are the single most important risk factors for the burden of disease in all 53 Member States in the WHO European Region. In Malta, levels of obesity among school-age children are a particular concern.
Presentation of the White Book on Health Inequities in Italy: the relevance for migration and public health 16-12-2014
On 2 December 2014, the Conference “Health for All, nobody excluded” was held at the historical hospital San Gallicano in Rome, home of the National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty (NIHMP). The NIHMP is a public institution under the Ministry of Health, which provides social and health care services for migrant population. Representatives from several Italian ministries and other policy-makers were present at the conference and shared their perspective on the theme Health Inequities and Migration.
A public health approach to human trafficking 10-12-2014
Under the name “Assumptions and Policy Responses to Human Trafficking”, the Austrian Regional Implementation Initiative on Preventing & Combating Human Trafficking has brought key stakeholders together to discuss the current status and future challenges for the fight against human trafficking. Organized under the auspices of the Austrian Federal Minister for Transport, Innovation and Technology, and the Governor of Styria, the dialogue forum took placed in Vienna, Austria, in November 2014. Participants included national experts on human trafficking, university professors and researchers, staff from the Untied Nation Office on Drugs and Crimes and staff from the WHO/Europe project Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe (PHAME).
Training Syrian doctors in Turkey to boost health services 08-12-2014
Twenty-five Syrian doctors are now putting their skills to use providing medical services for fellow refugees in clinics operated by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and in refugee camps.
Request For Proposals: HEN reports on migration and health 05-12-2014
The WHO Regional Office for Europe is commissioning three HEN synthesis reports that address three distinct migration groups that require different policy approaches.
Addressing the health challenges of economic migration in Turkmenistan 27-11-2014
The government of Turkmenistan and the International Organization of Migration (IOM) organized in November 2014 a high-level roundtable on migration and health to discuss the growing challenges for national officials in this area of work. High and mid-level staff of the Ministry of Health at both the national and regional level, staff from the State Migration Service, IOM staff from Geneva and Turkmenistan, experts from Portugal and the Philippines, the Head of the WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan and staff from the WHO Regional Office for Europe came together in Ashgabat to discuss and increase the understanding of the public health challenges of migration.
WHO/Europe participates in the National Conference of the American Academy of Pediatrics 27-11-2014
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) organized its 2014 National Conference & Exhibition in San Diego, California, in October 2014. Dedicated to the health of children, the AAP focused its flagship event in the post-2015 agenda: what will be the key health targets once the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) expire?, and how can pediatricians contribute to the improvement of public health policy, health research and education?
Migrants’ health, a priority during the EU Italian Presidency 26-11-2014
Italy has put migration on the front-page of the European agenda during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU). Throughout the second semester of 2014, the Italian Presidency of the EU has organized a great number of meetings and conferences to re-start the dialogue on migration across the Mediterranean. Several events have focused on health as a key entry point to reduce inequities and vulnerability among migrant population and to further a Mediterranean and inter-regional dialogue on migrants’ health.
Migration public health challenges at the European borders 25-11-2014
The European Border Agency, Frontex, organized the 22nd International Border Police Conference (IBPC) in Warsaw, Poland, on 22-23 October 2014. The main objective of this event was to look at the challenges related to border management, highlighting key elements of risk analysis as well as the importance of research and technology in this field. WHO/Europe staff from the project Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe participated at the conference, addressing the audience on the need of a public health approach to migration at the European borders
Death toll from drowning “intolerable” 18-11-2014
Whether it is a bucket, a bathtub, well, pool or pond, it poses a drowning risk. In the WHO European Region, 37 000 people drown every year, and children are particularly vulnerable. A new global WHO report outlines the current situation, risk factors and effective preventive measures.
New collaboration on migrant health with University of Pécs, Hungary 12-11-2014
Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, visited the University of Pécs on 10 November to publically announce closer collaboration between WHO/Europe and the University on the WHO Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe (PHAME) project. The Regional Director particularly thanked Professor István Szilárd, Chief Scientific Adviser of the University of Pécs Medical School, for his continued commitment and collaboration.
Sicily presents the first contingency plan in the European Region to address the public health needs of large immigration 29-09-2014
Sicily has become the pioneer in the WHO European Region in the development of an operational strategy to respond to the public health implications of sudden and large arrivals of immigrants. This document has been produced by the regional health authorities of Sicily, with the technical assistance of the WHO/Europe project Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe. During its launch, the Councillor of Health of Sicily, Lucia Borsellino, described the contingency plan as the region’s response to the “ethical duty to take care of migrants’ health, just as we do with the health of the rest of our citizens”.
Highlights of day 1 – Focus on more equitable, sustainable health for Europe 15-09-2014
“Our aim will be better health for Europe, more equitable and sustainable,” said Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, in her address to representatives of all 53 Member States in the WHO European Region.
HIV/AIDS epidemic in Europe: vulnerability 09-09-2014
Many countries in the WHO European Region have laws, regulations or policies that hinder effective HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for vulnerable populations. WHO/Europe will report on progress in implementing the European Action Plan for HIV/AIDS 2012–2015, including addressing vulnerability and access to HIV services, to the 64th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.
Technical Briefing on Health and Migration at RC64 03-09-2014
A Technical Briefing on Health and Migration will be held on Monday 15th of September at 12.30 at the 64th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.
Assessing the capacity to manage large influx of undocumented migrants in Spain 30-07-2014
The Spanish Ministry of Health is currently assessing the country’s health system and its level of preparedness for a potential sudden massive influx of undocumented migrants from Africa. WHO/Europe is assisting the ministry with technical expertise for the assessment as part of the project Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe (PHAME).
The Italian region of Sicily develops a contingency health response plan to massive migration 17-06-2014
The WHO Regional Office for Europe, through its Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe (PHAME) project, is working with the Health Regional Councillor of the Sicily region on a regional contingency plan for the management of massive influxes of migrants.
The EUPHA Granada Declaration calls upon all European governments to protect the health of migrants and ethnic minorities 09-05-2014
In April 2014 in Granada the Andalusian School of Public Health hosted the 5th European Conference of the European Public Health Association(EUPHA) on Migrant and Ethnic Minority Health. Throughout the four-day event, 350 participants attended 12 workshops, 5 plenary sessions, 96 oral presentations and 120 poster presentations that covered different aspects of health migration.
Migration and health on agenda at informal council of European Union health ministers 01-05-2014
Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, joined health ministers and high-level officials from European Union (EU) countries to discuss migration and health, in addition to the economic crisis and health care, at an informal council held in Athens, Greece on 28–29 April, as part of the Greek EU Presidency.
WHO PHAME supports Italy in 1st contingency health response plan to massive migration 01-05-2014
In less than one week, over 6000 migrants have reached the Italian region of Sicily. According to the Italian authorities, around 25 000 undocumented migrants have been rescued at sea from January 2014. This number represents a dramatic increase compared to the start of the previous year. The Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe (PHAME) team, from the WHO Regional Office for Europe, has visited the region to help the regional authorities to better manage this large influx of migrants.
New websites on migration and Roma health 25-04-2014
An estimated 73 million migrants and 10–12 million Roma live in the WHO European Region. WHO/Europe works to establish supportive environments and resilient communities to improve these people’ health and well-being, and reduce health inequalities.
Regional Director encourages investment in prevention 15-04-2014
Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, addressed a wide range of stakeholders in public health during a visit to Rome, Italy on 8–9 April 2014.
Regional Director: health systems should be accessible to all 07-03-2014
Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, spoke of the challenges of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in her keynote speech at the opening of the Joint Meeting of Chief Medical, Chief Nursing and Chief Dental Officers, held in Athens, Greece on 4–5 March 2014.
Lampedusa, the southern door to Europe 20-12-2013
In 2013, WHO/Europe conducted missions to Italy, Malta and Portugal to assess health-sector capacity to address migrant health. A photo story explains this work and interviews with a doctor and migrant who met on Lampedusa examine the challenges they face.
Assessing the public health capacity for migration in Portugal 21-11-2013
WHO/Europe, through its project on Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe (PHAME) of the European Office for Investment for Health and Development, is assessing the public health response of Mediterranean countries that may potentially receive a large influx of migrants.
Un- or under-immunized travellers from polio-infected areas to receive polio vaccine boost 05-11-2013
The current poliomyelitis (polio) outbreak in the Syrian Arab Republic and remaining polio-endemic countries (Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan), as well as frequent population movements and vaccination gaps in some European countries, increases the risk of the international spread of wild poliovirus. As long as the virus is circulating in the world and vaccination coverage is not optimal, polio threatens to return to the WHO European Region.
WHO/Europe supports Turkish polio operations from a new field presence in Gaziantep 24-10-2013
As part of the cross-regional response to a suspected poliomyelitis (polio) outbreak in the Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey is scaling up surveillance of suspected cases and vaccination of Syrian citizens under temporary protection in Turkey. A newly established WHO presence in Gaziantep, Turkey, near the border of the Syrian Arab Republic, is serving as an important centre of operations. 24 October is World Polio Day.
Improving and coordinating the public health response to migration 18-10-2013
Since 2011, WHO/Europe has worked to strengthen the capacity of countries’ public health services to deal with large influxes of migrants, and ensure a coordinated response. It has made several assessments of health needs, and countries have welcomed WHO’s support. Nevertheless, greater effort is needed to address the endless tragedies related to migration.
Italy hosts expert consultation on public health aspects of migration in Europe 12-06-2013
Forty experts, government and nongovernmental representatives met in Rome, Italy on 28 and 29 May to discuss emerging migration challenges facing Europe. Although formerly a continent of emigration, Europe now finds itself attracting refugees and migrants from all over the world and this creates significant health challenges.
WHO assessment mission: better facilities for receiving migrants needed 06-07-2012
The Italian islands of Lampedusa and Linosa are the entry points to Europe for many migrants from North and sub-Saharan Africa. WHO’s latest mission to the islands concluded that improvement to the quality of, availability of and access to water and sanitation facilities, and infrastructure in general, is urgently needed.
Italian Minister of Health visits WHO/Europe 15-05-2012
Professor Renato Balduzzi visited WHO/Europe on 7 May 2012 to discuss future collaboration on migration and health, the social determinants of health and other issues.
WHO convenes expert consultation to strengthen health security and emergency preparedness 10-04-2012
International experts from member states and partners gathered in a WHO consultation in Vienna, Austria, 22 - 23 March 2012, to present and discuss the results of a joint project supported by the European Commissions Directorate-General for Health and Consumers (DG SANCO) and to agree on future priorities for international collaboration to strengthen risk management and emergency preparedness of national health systems.
Migrant health: Italy signs agreement 17-05-2011
At the World Health Assembly on 16 May, Professor Ferruccio Fazio, Minister of Health of Italy, signed an agreement with Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, on a three year-project on the public health aspects of migration.
Conclusions of the health mission in Lampedusa 31-03-2011
A two-day joint mission to the island of Lampedusa by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe was completed on 29 March 2011. It concluded that the public health situation in Lampedusa, where displaced people have arrived from northern Africa, is a cause for concern, although hitherto there have been no unusual infectious or other diseases detected among the newly arrived population.
Disaster preparedness mission to Lampedusa 18-03-2011
WHO/Europe has visited the small Italian island of Lampedusa, to assess the situation and make recommendations on how to be better prepared for the possible arrival of more displaced people owing to the crisis in northern Africa.