Addressing the needs of refugees and migrants: an inclusive approach to Universal Health Coverage

Abstract

Safeguarding the health of refugees and migrants is a vital part of achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, “to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”, including Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Yet these groups often have poorer health outcomes and face multiple barriers to accessing health care. National health strategies, policies and programmes should identify and respond to the specific health needs of refugees and migrants, including the underlying determinants affecting these populations, in order to meet global targets. This requires health services to be fully accessible; be language and culture sensitive; and be able to monitor the health needs of refugees and migrants and evaluate the efficacy of interventions