UN adopts plan to promote health of refugees, migrants

United Nations (UN) Member States have adopted a five-year global action plan to promote the health of refugees and migrants.

The plan which was adopted during the 72nd world health assembly at Geneva will focus on achieving universal health coverage for refugees and migrants and for host populations. According to the UN, the coverage is the highest attainable standard of health.

According to the news release issued by the World Health Organisation, the plan includes short and long-term steps to mainstream refugee and migrant health care and enhance partnerships.

The plan will also strengthen health monitoring and information systems and counter misperceptions about migrant and refugee health.

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Member States are requesting that the Director-General report back on progress at the 74th World Health Assembly while reports to the 74th and 76th World Health Assemblies will also include information provided by the Member States on a voluntary basis, and UN agencies as appropriate.

The release also stated that the number of international migrants has grown globally. It also stated that the total number of international migrants rose from 173 million to 258 million, an increase of 49 per cent between 2000 and 2017.

The number of forcibly displaced people has risen to an all-time high of 68.5 million. This figure, the release said includes 25.4 million refugees.

It also stated that ten million stateless people lack a nationality and access to basic rights such as education, health care, employment and freedom of movement.