Juliet Ezeh
Global health systems are facing significant gaps in data collection and emergency preparedness for refugees and migrants, despite growing efforts by countries to include them in national health policies, the World Health Organization has revealed.
In its latest global assessment, the agency acknowledged progress in policy inclusion but warned that weak data systems and limited preparedness planning could undermine long-term health outcomes for migrant populations.
The report, which analysed responses from 93 countries, found that while more than 60 nations now integrate refugees and migrants into their health frameworks, only 37 per cent routinely collect and analyse migration-related health data.
This lack of reliable data, according to the WHO, limits governments’ ability to plan effectively, allocate resources, and respond to the specific health needs of mobile populations.
Even more concerning is the state of emergency preparedness. The report showed that just 42 per cent of countries include refugees and migrants in disaster response and preparedness plans, raising concerns about how vulnerable populations would be protected during crises such as disease outbreaks or natural disasters.
The WHO also highlighted gaps in workforce readiness, noting that fewer than 40 per cent of countries train health workers to provide culturally appropriate care for migrants. This shortfall can lead to miscommunication, reduced trust, and ultimately poorer health outcomes.
In addition, only 30 per cent of countries have implemented public communication strategies to counter misinformation and discrimination surrounding migrant health—an issue the agency says continues to create barriers to accessing care.
Commenting on the findings, WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stressed that inclusive health systems must go beyond policy declarations to practical implementation backed by data and preparedness.
The report establishes the first global baseline for tracking progress on migrant health inclusion and underscores the importance of evidence-based planning in building resilient health systems.
While countries are increasingly recognising the need for inclusion, the WHO warned that without stronger data systems and emergency planning, health systems may struggle to respond effectively to the realities of global migration, which now affects more than one billion people worldwide.
