WHO: Over 60% of Countries Now Include Refugees & Migrants in Health Policies

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a significant increase in the inclusion of refugees and migrants in national health policies worldwide. New data reveals that over 60 countries – two-thirds of those surveyed – now incorporate these populations into their national health policies and laws, marking a major shift in global health approaches.

This finding is based on data collected from 93 Member States and establishes a first-of-its-kind global baseline for tracking progress toward inclusive, migrant-responsive health systems, according to the WHO. The report underscores the growing recognition that health systems must serve all people, regardless of their migration status.

With over 1 billion people globally – more than 1 in 8 – living as refugees or migrants, the need for inclusive health policies is increasingly critical. Reasons for migration are diverse, ranging from conflict and disasters to economic opportunity, education, and family needs. However, refugees and migrants often encounter barriers to healthcare access, increased risks of infectious and chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and unsafe living or working conditions.

“Refugees and migrants are not just recipients of care, they are also health workers, caregivers and community leaders,”

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization

Dr. Tedros emphasized that truly universal health systems must serve everyone, and that including refugees and migrants benefits entire societies while strengthening preparedness for future health challenges.

The WHO’s new report, titled “World report on promoting the health of refugees and migrants: monitoring progress on the WHO global action plan,” highlights that investment in the health of refugees and migrants yields substantial dividends. These include improved social and economic integration, strengthened health system resilience, and enhanced global health security. Inclusive health systems can also reduce long-term costs by enabling healthy, well-integrated populations to contribute fully to their communities.

The report demonstrates that even in politically sensitive contexts, countries are increasingly relying on evidence, data, science, and established norms and standards to address migration and health within their national health systems. Case studies from all six WHO regions illustrate successful approaches, such as expanded migrant health insurance coverage in Thailand, the use of cross-cultural communication mediators in Belgium, and the inclusion of migrant community representatives in primary healthcare decision-making in Chile.

Gaps remain

Despite the progress, significant gaps persist. The report reveals that only 37% of responding countries routinely collect, analyze, and disseminate migration-related health data as part of their national health information systems. Just 42% include refugees and migrants in emergency preparedness, disaster risk reduction, or response plans.

• Only 30% of countries have implemented communication campaigns to counter misperceptions and discrimination related to refugee and migrant health.
• Fewer than 40% report training health workers in culturally responsive care for refugees and migrants.
• Access to healthcare remains uneven, with refugees generally having better access than migrants in irregular situations, internally displaced persons, migrant workers, and international students.
• Refugees and migrants are under-represented in health governance and decision-making processes in most countries.

The way forward

The WHO encourages governments, partners, and donors to accelerate progress by embedding refugees and migrants into all national health policies, strategies, and plans. Strengthening the collection and use of disaggregated migration health data is also crucial for planning and accountability.

The WHO recommends coordinating efforts across sectors, including health, housing, education, employment, and social protection, and tailoring strategies to the specific needs of different migrant subgroups, particularly those in irregular situations. Meaningful engagement of refugees and migrants in planning, governance, and service delivery is also essential.

Other key recommendations include training health workers on providing equitable, culturally sensitive care; tackling misinformation and discrimination through evidence-informed action; and protecting and expanding financing to safeguard progress for all.

The WHO will continue to support Member States in translating commitments into action by strengthening evidence, promoting culturally responsive care, and integrating refugees and migrants into resilient national health systems. Collaboration with partners such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the World Bank will be vital in advancing coordinated, rights-based approaches to refugee and migrant health.

Notably, the IOM has become the first international organization to join the Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN), a WHO-hosted digital public infrastructure that enables the verification of health documents across countries. This collaboration is expected to enhance efforts to help migrants securely access verifiable health records, supporting continuity of care across borders.

By joining the GDHCN, the IOM reinforces the WHO’s leadership in public health aspects of refugee and migrant health and in fostering trusted, interoperable digital health systems that protect and empower people globally.