The World Health Organization (WHO) reports significant progress in how countries are addressing the health needs of refugees and migrants. Data from 93 Member States reveal that over 60 countries now include refugees and migrants in national health policies and laws, establishing the first global baseline for tracking inclusive, migrant-responsive health systems. This shift recognizes that refugees and migrants are not only care recipients but also health workers, caregivers, and community leaders, and that inclusive health systems benefit society as a whole.
Today, over 1 billion people—more than one in eight globally—live as refugees or migrants, driven by conflict, disasters, economic opportunities, education, or family needs. Many face barriers to healthcare, increased risks of infectious and chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and unsafe living or working conditions. WHO emphasizes that investing in refugee and migrant health strengthens social and economic integration, improves health system resilience, enhances global health security, and reduces long-term costs by enabling fully productive populations.
The report, World Report on Promoting the Health of Refugees and Migrants: Monitoring Progress on the WHO Global Action Plan, highlights practical examples from all six WHO regions. Initiatives include expanded migrant health insurance in Thailand, cross-cultural communication mediators in Belgium, and the inclusion of migrant representatives in primary healthcare decision-making in Chile. These case studies demonstrate that progress is achievable even in politically sensitive contexts by relying on data, evidence, and established standards.
Despite these gains, gaps persist. Only 37% of countries routinely collect and use migration-related health data, 42% include migrants in emergency preparedness plans, fewer than 40% train health workers in culturally responsive care, and only 30% implement communication campaigns to counter discrimination. Access remains uneven, particularly for migrants in irregular situations, internally displaced persons, migrant workers, and international students. Representation in health governance also remains limited.
To accelerate progress, WHO urges governments, partners, and donors to embed refugees and migrants in all national health policies, strengthen data collection, coordinate across sectors, tailor strategies to specific migrant subgroups, engage refugees and migrants in governance, train health workers in equitable care, counter misinformation, and safeguard financing. WHO will continue supporting Member States by promoting culturally responsive care, strengthening evidence, and integrating refugees and migrants into resilient health systems, working closely with partners such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and the World Bank.
A key development includes the IOM becoming the first international organization to join the WHO-hosted Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN), enabling secure verification of health records across borders. This collaboration supports continuity of care for migrants and underscores WHO’s leadership in fostering interoperable digital health systems that protect and empower refugees and migrants worldwide.
