From Commitment to Action: World Report on Promoting the Health of Refugees and Migrants.

Why It Matters

Improving health access for refugees and migrants safeguards public health, drives economic resilience, and fulfills a fundamental justice imperative for host societies and global stability.

Key Takeaways

• Over 1 billion people are displaced, needing health access
• 67% of countries now include migrants in health policies
• Only one‑third collect disaggregated health data for migrants
• WHO outlines five priorities: data, policies, governance, financing, learning
• Inclusive, cross‑border health systems boost resilience for host societies

Summary

The World Health Organization unveiled its second World Report on the health of refugees and migrants, underscoring the urgent need for uninterrupted, affordable, and equitable health services for more than one billion people on the move. The report frames migration health as a shared responsibility, linking safe, dignified migration to broader societal prosperity and resilience.

Key findings reveal that 67% of participating nations have incorporated refugees and migrants into national health policies, yet only one‑third routinely gather disaggregated health data to inform decisions. The WHO identifies five public‑health priorities—enhanced data and evidence, inclusive policies, effective governance, innovative financing, and cross‑country learning—as the foundation for migrant‑inclusive, culturally sensitive health systems.

The report emphasizes that migrants are not merely care recipients; they serve as health workers, caregivers, and community leaders. As the WHO states, “Healthy refugees and migrants means healthier societies,” and asserts that the right to health is both a matter of justice and a collective duty.

For policymakers, donors, and health‑sector businesses, the implications are clear: investing in robust data systems, financing mechanisms, and collaborative learning platforms will not only improve outcomes for displaced populations but also strengthen host‑country health infrastructures and economic stability.

Original Description

More than one billion people are on the move in search of safety, dignity, and opportunity — and ensuring their health is essential.

Refugees and migrants contribute to the strength and resilience of societies and must have uninterrupted, equitable access to care wherever they are.

WHO's World report on promoting the health of refugees and migrants: monitoring progress on the WHO global action plan draws on data from 93 Member States. It establishes the first global baseline for tracking how countries are building inclusive, migrant‑responsive health systems.

As WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus notes, “Health systems are only truly universal when they serve everyone.”

WHO’s new report stresses that inclusion benefits whole societies and strengthens preparedness for future health challenges.

Download the report: https://www.who.int/teams/health-and-migration-programme/world-reports-on-refugee-and-migrants-health