World Refugee Day 2024

Solidarity in action: promoting refugee-sensitive health systems

June 20^NumberOn 14 January 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO), together with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and partners, will commemorate World Refugee Day 2024. In line with this year’s theme, “In solidarity with refugees”, WHO highlights the importance of building inclusive health systems and providing equitable care to refugees around the world. WHO highlights solidarity and health, celebrates the resilience of refugees, defends their right to health and strives for a world where everyone has universal access to quality health care, regardless of migration status.

UNHCR estimates that by mid-2023, more than 110 million people will be forcibly displaced worldwide, of whom 40% are children. 75% of these displaced people are hosted in low- and middle-income countries. Refugees are not just recipients of care, but active contributors to health systems around the world as skilled health professionals, cultural intermediaries and advocates for equitable access. Data from the WHO World Report on Refugee and Migrant Health highlights the influential role of refugees and underscores the importance of including them in decision-making processes that enhance the quality and cultural adaptability of services.

While celebrating the resilience of refugees and celebrating their contributions, we acknowledge the challenges they face and the urgent need for global solidarity. Millions of people in vulnerable situations have poor health, even if they are not in poor health to begin with. Prioritizing their right to timely, accessible, affordable, acceptable and dignified health care is essential to achieving health for all.

“Putting the talk”: an example of WHO’s contribution to improving refugee health

In line with the Global Action Plan on Promoting the Health of Refugees and Migrants 2019-2030, WHO works with Member States, Regional Offices and partners to advocate for the rights and health equity of refugees and migrants. By leading global advocacy, setting standards, generating evidence and fostering partnerships, WHO promotes evidence-based approaches to meet the health needs of refugees and migrants and promotes global health equity and rights.

• Coordination and guidance of normative work: The Third Global Consultation on Refugee and Migrant Health, co-hosted by WHO, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNHCR and the Kingdom of Morocco in June 2023, Rabat Declaration Endorsed by 49 Member States and observers, this landmark achievement marks a global effort towards improving the health of refugees, migrants and host communities. The outcome report outlines actionable steps for governments, UN agencies and partners.
• Putting research into practice: Following a consultative research agenda-setting process with over 180 stakeholders to reach consensus on global priorities, WHO has published the first-ever global research agenda to address evidence gaps. Five priority research themes requiring greater investment have been identified, accompanied by an implementation guide and toolkit to foster stronger global research collaboration.
• Health system review: WHO conducts health systems reviews around the world to support the development of informed, evidence-based long-term health systems interventions that build on existing capacities and assess gaps and opportunities. Reviews in collaboration with the Ministries of Health in Jordan, Bulgaria, Thailand, Czech Republic, Uganda and Estonia have resulted in follow-up actions that inform policy changes and more informed health plans. In particular, these reviews have enabled the integration of the health needs of refugees and migrants into national strategies.
• Training of healthcare professionals: WHO has developed the Refugee and Migrant Health: Global Competency Standards for Health Workers (Competency Standards) to strengthen health workers’ capacity to provide culturally sensitive services to refugees and migrants. Successful training efforts in Nigeria are being expanded to Senegal, Mali and Niger. In parallel, WHO has established corresponding e-learning courses and is preparing the first global course to be held in Rome in collaboration with the Italian National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty (a WHO Collaborating Centre).
• Celebrating the power of storytelling: WHO’s Health for All Film Festival awarded the “Special Prize for Migrant and Refugee Health” to “The Story of Dalal,” directed by Alexandra Koldukes of Laundry Lane Productions (Australia). The film promotes comprehensive access to healthcare and depicts how it fosters positive health outcomes through the journey of Dalal, a Yazidi woman seeking refuge in Australia. In addition, the festival awarded the “Health Emergency – Grand Prix” to “Journey Beyond the Rubble,” directed by Mumen Said Issa and Asir Salem Bahr (Turkey). The film highlights the bravery of health workers who responded to the 2023 earthquake and tells the story of recovery of Wala, an earthquake survivor and Syrian refugee in Turkey.
• Knowledge exchange and experience building: 5th Global School on Refugee and Migrant Healthwill take place in Bogotá, Colombia from 2-6 December 2024 and be live-streamed around the world. The conference will bring together diverse stakeholders to foster vibrant knowledge exchange and collective learning, explore innovative strategies, share best practices, and foster partnerships to address the health challenges of people on the move and promote their health.