The WHO Global School on Refugee and Migrant Health convened experts to advance Universal Health Coverage for displaced populations. Discussions focused on inclusive policies, health financing, and integrating migrants into national health systems.
The 5th edition of the WHO Global School on Refugee and Migrant Health, held in Colombia from December 2–6, 2024, explored pathways to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for displaced populations. The event, reported by The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, gathered over 3,000 participants to translate research into actionable policies. Colombia served as a fitting host, given its innovative approach to migrant healthcare integration. With 1.5 million migrants enrolled in health insurance schemes—500,000 contributing financially—the country demonstrates a model for balancing inclusivity and sustainability.
Key discussions at the event emphasised:
- Strengthening primary health care (PHC) as a foundation for migrant health services.
- Addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within PHC to improve long-term health outcomes.
- Developing comprehensive health financing strategies, including global UHC funding mechanisms.
- Bridging the research-policy gap to ensure evidence-based decision-making.
- Ensuring continuity of care beyond emergencies, integrating refugees into long-term health systems.
As migration trends continue to rise, the Global School underscores the urgency of inclusive health policies. Resources from this and previous editions are available on OpenWHO, ensuring continued knowledge-sharing for global health equity.
