FROM THE FIELD: For refugees and migrants in Europe, healthcare’s essential but a challenge to find

February 11, 2019 by United Nations Leave a Comment

Migrant numbers are often overestimated, according to the first Report on the Health of Refugees and Migrants in the WHO European Region.

Photo/World Health Organization Migrant numbers are often overestimated, according to the first Report on the Health of Refugees and Migrants in the WHO European Region.

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There are some 68.5 million people currently displaced around the world, with 25.4 million crossing national borders in search of safety. Even a healthy migrant or refugee can fall sick, while traveling to – or sheltering in – a receiving country. Poor living conditions and lifestyle adjustments to a totally new environment, are just two possible reasons why, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) first Report on the health of refugees and migrants in the WHO European Region. It may come as no surprise that children without parents or a guardian are especially vulnerable, and at risk of suffering both health and social problems. The WHO report, which was developed in partnership with the Italian National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty, summarizes the latest evidence on the health of refugees and migrants in various parts of Europe, along with the progress made by countries to promote their health. Here’s the full story.

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