More than 60 countries now explicitly include refugees and migrants in their national health policies and laws, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports. Drawing on data from 93 Member States, a new WHO report shows that two‑thirds of surveyed countries are moving toward more inclusive, migrant‑responsive health systems.
Over one billion people live as refugees or migrants, often facing barriers to care, higher risks of disease, and precarious living and working conditions. WHO Director‑General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that refugees and migrants are not just patients but also health workers and community leaders. He said truly universal health systems benefit everyone and strengthen preparedness for future crises.
The report highlights promising examples, such as expanded health‑insurance coverage for migrants in Thailand, cross‑cultural mediators in Belgium, and involving migrant representatives in primary‑care planning in Chile. Yet gaps remain: only 37% of countries routinely collect migration‑related health data, 42% include refugees and migrants in emergency plans, and fewer than 40% train health workers in culturally responsive care. Access is uneven, especially for migrants in irregular situations, displaced people, and migrant workers, while participation in health‑governance stays low.
WHO urges governments to embed refugees and migrants in all health policies, improve data, coordinate across sectors, tailor support to different groups, and involve affected communities in design and delivery. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has joined WHO’s Global Digital Health Certification Network, helping migrants access and verify health records across borders and supporting continuity of care.