OIM - Migration Health 2024 Impact Overview

MIGRATION HEALTH 2024 IMPACT OVERVIEWThe opinions expressed in the report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout the report do not imply expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IOM concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning its frontiers or boundaries. IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As an intergovernmental organization, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to assist in meeting operational challenges of migration; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration; and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.

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Email: hq@iom.int Website: www.iom.int/migration-health Cover photo: Ndibirindi Rwakaburabuza, a mother and survivor of mpox, stands proudly with one of her grandchildren in the Bushagara displacement camp in Nyiragongo district, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. © IOM 2024/ Antoine LEMONNIER Layout design: MZWIMBI Nelly Sophia This publication was issued without formal editing by IOM.

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PUB2025/063/R

IOM, Geneva.i

2024 IMPACT OVERVIEW

MIGRATION HEALTH

2024 IMPACT OVERVIEWiii

2024 IMPACT OVERVIEWiv

MIGRATION HEALTH

ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations CBSDS Community-Based Syndromic Disease Surveillance System CHWs Community Health Workers e-PHR Electronic Personal Health Record HBMM Health Border and Mobility Management HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus IDP Internally Displaced Person IEC Information Education and Communication IPC Infection Prevention and Control IOM International Organization for Migration MENA Middle East and North Africa MHPSS Mental Health and Psychosocial Support MMRC Mobile Migrant Resource Centre NGO Non-governmental organization PMM Population mobility mapping PoE Point of entry

ACRONYMS

PPE Personal Protective Equipment RCCE Risk Communication and Community Engagement SDG Sustainable Development Goal SOPs Standard Operating Procedures TB Tuberculosis UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund US CDC United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention USD United States dollar VACC Vaccine Access Contact Centre WHO World Health Organizationv 2024 IMPACT OVERVIEW FOREWORD The movement of people in 2024 was shaped by the complex interplay of shifting labour markets, demographic trends, conflict, climate-related disasters, environmental degradation and an increasingly volatile economic and geopolitical landscape. These factors created multifaceted migration and public health challenges for migrants, communities and health systems. Yet amidst these challenges, IOM has witnessed not only the urgent needs of

shifting labour markets, demographic trends, conflict, climate-related disasters, environmental degradation and an increasingly volatile economic and geopolitical landscape. These factors created multifaceted migration and public health challenges for migrants, communities and health systems. Yet amidst these challenges, IOM has witnessed not only the urgent needs of migrants, refugees and other mobile populations, but also their enduring resilience and the adaptive capacities of health systems and frontline actors – enabling positive outcomes of migration. In diverse contexts, migrants contributed to the social, cultural and economic fabric of societies, demonstrating that inclusive, migrant-responsive health systems can turn migration into a powerful force for development and public health. Recognizing that health and migration are deeply connected and must be addressed together, IOM remained at the forefront of delivering life-saving health services and advancing, migrant-sensitive health responses across its operations. In 2024, anchored in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – particularly SDG 3 on health and well-being and guided by the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, IOM worked to create an enabling environment to advance evidence-informed and inclusive health and migration policies and support governments in their decision-making processes. Through these efforts, IOM aimed to contribute to enhancing migrants’ empowerment, inclusion and resilience in society, as well as better public health and health security for all. With 2,707 staff on health programmes working in 126 countries, including 23 affected by crises, IOM delivered emergency health care and improved access to essential services for migrants and displaced populations while also supporting long-term recovery of health systems. In crisis settings, IOM teams conducted 6.2 million health consultations through 3,602 IOM-supported or managed health facilities and 1,107 mobile teams, serving people in remote and hard-to-reach areas. IOM is committed to tailored, long-term solutions for displaced persons and their host communities. In 2024, IOM worked to strengthen disease surveillance systems in 34 countries, to anticipate and mitigate health-related risks surrounding displacement. Beyond crisis response, IOM’s health programming is integral in establishing,

for displaced persons and their host communities. In 2024, IOM worked to strengthen disease surveillance systems in 34 countries, to anticipate and mitigate health-related risks surrounding displacement. Beyond crisis response, IOM’s health programming is integral in establishing, expanding and enhancing regular migration pathways. T o support these pathways, IOM provides health assessment services; strengthens inclusive health systems; supports global health security by helping countries to prevent, prepare for and respond to public health emergencies; promotes community health; and enhances health governance through advocacy, research and technical support. In 2024, IOM reached over 857,000 people with health assessments leveraging IOM’s two global teleradiology centres and 37 medical laboratories. Additionally, close to three million people were vaccinated and over 277,592 health promotion sessions delivered in communities and health facilities. As we face unprecedented challenges ahead, IOM remains committed to realizing its vision of delivering on the promise of migration by facilitating safe, orderly and regular migration for all, focusing on saving lives, protecting people on the move, driving solutions to displacement and facilitating pathways for regular migration. Ensuring that migrants and communities are healthy, included and empowered remains central to achieving this vision. Ugochi Daniels Deputy Director General for Operations International Organization for Migrationvi

MIGRATION HEALTHvii

2024 IMPACT OVERVIEWviii

MIGRATION HEALTH viii

Source: Free Vector Maps.

Note: This map is for illustration purposes only. The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the International Organization for Migration.

MIGRATION HEALTH GLOBAL FOOTPRINT Health intersects with nearly all aspects of migration, underscoring its integral role within IOM’s Strategic Plan. In 2024, IOM invested USD 305,962,735 million in 126 countries with health programmes, working through its network of offices and experts at Headquarters, regional and country levels to support Member States, migrants, displaced persons and communities and promote public health. Global and regional overview of IOM’s migration health footprintix

126 countries with health programmes, working through its network of offices and experts at Headquarters, regional and country levels to support Member States, migrants, displaced persons and communities and promote public health. Global and regional overview of IOM’s migration health footprintix 2024 IMPACT OVERVIEW ix1 1

SAVING LIVES AND

PROTECTING PEOPLE:

ENHANCING ACCESS TO QUALITY

HEALTH SERVICES FOR MIGRANTS, MOBILE POPULATIONS AND COMMUNITIES IOM nurse examines a mother and her child in a community health centre in an indigenous community in Waramasen, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. © IOM 2024 MIGRATION HEALTH2 2024 IMPACT OVERVIEW As part of its mission to ensure migration is safe and well managed for all, IOM provides emergency health services to people affected by crises globally. At the same time, IOM works to strengthen health systems for long-term recovery and resilience. Specifically, IOM improves health services by strengthening local capacity, providing essential medicines and supplies and delivering direct health assistance for crisis-affected populations. IOM also supports people on the move, including refugees in resettlement, by connecting their health, protection and other needs throughout the mobility continuum. By investing in emergency health responses, IOM remains committed to protecting lives, strengthening communities and ensuring that no one is left behind in times of crisis. In 2024, IOM reached 5,277,829 people with emergency health programming. Seventy-six point three per cent of people who accessed IOM health-care services in humanitarian settings reported being satisfied. In crisis settings, IOM delivered 6,253,670 health-care consultations, trained 22,623 health workers and facilitated 130,796 referrals for patients needing higher or specialized levels of care. T o strengthen health responses in emergencies, IOM also distributed USD 49.3 million worth of essential health supplies including medicines, vaccines, medical and laboratory equipment and other critical resources to ensure that

facilitated 130,796 referrals for patients needing higher or specialized levels of care. T o strengthen health responses in emergencies, IOM also distributed USD 49.3 million worth of essential health supplies including medicines, vaccines, medical and laboratory equipment and other critical resources to ensure that life-saving care reached those who needed it most. HEALTH RESPONSE IN CRISIS SETTINGS IOM’s emergency health programming aims to ensure essential life-saving health care is available and accessible. By partnering with local authorities and organizations, IOM ensures that individuals and communities in need receive vital care during emergencies and public health crises. By utilizing key mobility data and targeted interventions that seek to uphold humanitarian principles, IOM provides direct health service provision via mobile teams deployed to hard-to-reach communities; establishes referral networks for specialized care; and engages in health promotion, vaccination campaigns and outbreak prevention, preparedness and response. Providing essential health support in Lebanon In 2024, Lebanon faced a deepening humanitarian crisis, with economic collapse, political instability and cross-border conflict leading to displacement and an overstretched health system. When conflict escalated in September, IOM swiftly adapted its operations to meet the urgent health needs of newly displaced and mobile populations while strengthening Lebanon’s fragile health care system. With support from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. IOM provided transportation assistance to 31,978 individuals in need of health care, helping people overcome financial, security and geographic barriers to reach essential health services. Under a France-funded initiative, IOM facilitated health care access for 1,919 migrants in Beirut and Mount Lebanon. Additionally, IOM conducted health awareness sessions for 4,960 internally displaced persons (IDPs), covering hygiene, routine immunization and disease prevention. Through the Global Fund’s Middle East Response project. IOM expanded tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) services; 536 TB patients received diagnostic support, while 2,285 individuals were screened using portable X-ray units. IOM also transported 598

and disease prevention. Through the Global Fund’s Middle East Response project. IOM expanded tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) services; 536 TB patients received diagnostic support, while 2,285 individuals were screened using portable X-ray units. IOM also transported 598 patients to National TB Programme Centres for follow-up care. IOM also procured and distributed 78,843 boxes of medication, 14,756 intravenous fluids solution bags and 2,500 boxes of protective equipment and provided 61,450 litres of fuel to sustain medical storage facilities, ensuring life-saving supplies remained accessible. Through these interventions, IOM directly supported 42,276 people, ensuring critical care reached those most in need. Delivering vital health services and tackling Hepatitis C in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, in 2024, IOM continued to deliver vital health services to refugees and host communities, addressing a wide range of health concerns, such as dengue, diphtheria and acute watery diarrhoea. IOM provided 24/7 emergency care and referrals, maternal and child health care, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and community-based care through trained community health workers, among other services. With IOM’s support, 36 primary and secondary health-care facilities are operational, providing essential health services to all in need. Hepatitis C has become a growing concern among Rohingya refugees, with estimated prevalence rates to be 20 per cent among adults, which is several times higher than in other high-burden settings. If left untreated, the disease can lead to chronic liver conditions, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, diagnosis and treatment in this setting remain extremely challenging. In 2024, IOM took a proactive approach by launching a mixed-method study to better understand risk factors for hepatitis C transmission. In partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), IOM

conditions, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, diagnosis and treatment in this setting remain extremely challenging. In 2024, IOM took a proactive approach by launching a mixed-method study to better understand risk factors for hepatitis C transmission. In partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), IOM also piloted a hepatitis C treatment centre at the Camp 2W Primary Health Care Centre and established 12 screening sites An IOM staff assists an individual in need of transportation to reach essential health services in Lebanon. © IOM 20243 MIGRATION HEALTH Community health network leaders at a Skills Workshop organized by IOM in Cartagena, Colombia. © IOM 2024/Bleidys FLORIAN within existing health facilities. Through this initiative, 9,012 rapid diagnostic tests were conducted, out of which 676 individuals tested positive. In total, 471 patients successfully completed their hepatitis C treatment. Emergency health response for indigenous communities in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela’s Border States As the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela’s prolonged crisis continues to strain the health system, IOM is providing critical health support to people on the move and vulnerable communities in remote border regions and along migration routes including indigenous populations. IOM’s mobile health teams, composed of local health workers, deliver primary health care in close coordination with national health authorities and partners. These teams ensure that essential medical services reach those who would otherwise lack access to care. In 2024, these mobile teams conducted 28,592 primary health-care consultations and provided health promotion and disease prevention information to 5,500 individuals. Beyond direct service delivery, IOM has strengthened the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela’s broader health system by developing a communitybased syndromic disease surveillance system (CBSDS) to detect and respond to outbreaks; training and mentoring 346 local health workers and 127 community health promoters in 2024; rehabilitating 15 primary health-care facilities; implementing infection prevention and control measures and supplying primary health centres with essential medicines and equipment.

and respond to outbreaks; training and mentoring 346 local health workers and 127 community health promoters in 2024; rehabilitating 15 primary health-care facilities; implementing infection prevention and control measures and supplying primary health centres with essential medicines and equipment. During the development of the CBSDS programme, over 2,600 alerts were issued, successfully communicated and investigated by the local epidemiologist. The system’s efficacy in identifying suspected cases of malaria, dengue, COVID-19 and TB was A patient at the WHO/IOM hepatitis C treatment centre in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. © IOM 20244 2024 IMPACT OVERVIEW registered, facilitating timely alerts and coordinated responses with health authorities. For instance, in the State of Amazonas, 13 suspected cases of TB were reported, 12 of which were confirmed and subsequently enrolled in treatment through the National Tuberculosis Programme. Recognizing the unique needs of indigenous communities, IOM takes a culturally sensitive approach by integrating indigenous health promoters into its teams. Their knowledge and presence help bridge language and cultural gaps, ensuring that health messages are culturally appropriate and reflect community knowledge and practices. This approach fosters trust, increases health literacy and empowers communities to make informed decisions about their well-being. By combining medical expertise with cultural understanding, IOM is not only improving access to health care but also building more resilient, informed and self-sustaining communities amid crises. CONTINUITY OF CARE FOR VULNERABLE MIGRANTS People on the move - migrants, refugees and other vulnerable populations - often lose access to reliable health care. IOM works to bridge this gap by providing essential health services to people on the move and host communities. IOM operates in humanitarian settings worldwide, ensuring that affected populations can access continuity of care, quality health assessments and referrals to life-saving services. Committed to a rights-based, inclusive and non-discriminatory approach, IOM advocates for migrants’ right to health and prioritizes their protection at every stage of their journey.

populations can access continuity of care, quality health assessments and referrals to life-saving services. Committed to a rights-based, inclusive and non-discriminatory approach, IOM advocates for migrants’ right to health and prioritizes their protection at every stage of their journey. Promoting health across the resettlement continuum Refugee populations often face significant barriers to accessing health care. The IOM Health Assessment Programme (HAP) focuses on the well-being of refugees during resettlement, offering health assessments, health-related travel assistance and other preventive and curative interventions. These services are provided to refugees and other migrants at IOM Migration Health Assessment Centres (MHACs), through mobile teams or in collaboration with partner facilities. They contribute to maintaining continuity of care for refugees with health needs, addressing the pre-departure, travel and post-arrival phases. In 2024, over 276,000 refugees underwent health assessment and pre-departure medical procedures; 11.6 per cent had significant medical conditions, warranting resettlement needs assessment and post-arrival care coordination. Additionally, 2,162 medical escorts were deployed globally to assist with safe travel. Supporting Afghan refugees with life-saving health services in Central Asia Decades of conflict, economic instability, the COVID-19 pandemic and recurring climate-related disasters have left Afghanistan approaching systemic collapse. While widespread conflict ended in 2021, ongoing economic decline and disasters continue to drive displacement. T o address urgent health needs, IOM improved access to health care for Afghan refugees in neighbouring countries. In Tajikistan, IOM facilitated five roundtable discussions with 145 health-care professionals to address key challenges associated with the reception of Afghan refugees, such as expanding mental health services, upgrading medical equipment, enhancing infrastructure and providing professional training in English language and IT. Health awareness campaigns complemented these efforts to improve refugee integration into the local health system. In Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, IOM established Mobile Migrant

the reception of Afghan refugees, such as expanding mental health services, upgrading medical equipment, enhancing infrastructure and providing professional training in English language and IT. Health awareness campaigns complemented these efforts to improve refugee integration into the local health system. In Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, IOM established Mobile Migrant Resource Centres (MMRCs) to provide Afghan migrants and vulnerable local communities with essential health and social services. In Turkmenistan, the MMRC delivered gastroenterological, paediatric, gynaecological, therapeutic and legal counselling services to 4,372 people across Akhal and Lebap provinces. Additionally, IOM renovated and re-equipped a medical facility to enhance long-term health care for local communities. In Uzbekistan, IOM’s MMRC in T ermez, operated in partnership with local non-governmental organization (NGO) Barqaror Hayot, provided comprehensive health services, including 637 general health consultations, 289 psychological consultations, 749 ultrasound exams and 735 cardiology screenings. Additionally, 65 individuals were referred to medical clinics and pharmacies for further treatment. T o improve service efficiency, standard operating procedures (SOPs) were developed and implemented, ensuring equal access to care for Afghan nationals and vulnerable citizens. Ongoing training, monitoring and professional guidance from IOM teams helped sustain high-quality, people-centred care and strengthened local health systems. Improving continuity of care for migrants through digital innovation: e-PHR Migrants can face challenges in accessing health care in their transit or destination countries, due to language and cultural differences and lack of medical records. The IOM’s electronic Personal Health Record (e-PHR) is a digital platform that addresses these issues by compiling migrants’ medical history in one place, facilitating improved continuity of care and strengthening national and cross-border disease surveillance and response. It also allows health workers to record subsequent medical treatments, including vaccinations, on arrival and can be linked to counselling and health education services. Launched

addresses these issues by compiling migrants’ medical history in one place, facilitating improved continuity of care and strengthening national and cross-border disease surveillance and response. It also allows health workers to record subsequent medical treatments, including vaccinations, on arrival and can be linked to counselling and health education services. Launched in 2016 with support from the European Union’s DirectorateGeneral for Health and Food Safety, the e-PHR was piloted in Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Serbia and Slovenia and expanded to Colombia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico, Uganda and Yemen, making it available across four continents with funding from Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Through e-PHR, IOM has helped nearly 76,000 migrants and trained 461 health professionals in the provision of migrant-relative health services across its target countries. By improving access to health information and continuity of care, the platform not only enhances individual well-being but also contributes to healthier, more productive communities. IOM is empowering migrants to take charge of their health while supporting stronger, more inclusive and resilient health systems globally through digital solutions.MIGRATION HEALTH On 1 March 2024, IOM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Direct Relief, a United States-based organization that provides in-kind medical donations and aid worldwide. This partnership strengthens IOM’s ability to deliver critical medicines and medical supplies to migrants and host communities affected by crises, as well as enhances emergency preparedness, including initiatives to stockpile and pre-position essential medical supplies. The partnership has yielded tangible results. In Jordan, IOM received a fully equipped field hospital, including 50 beds, 38 tents and essential medical and surgical equipment, to support the Jordanian Royal Medical Services in providing urgent care in Gaza. IOM Egypt, which plays a key role in responding to the humanitarian crises in Gaza and the Sudan, received over 100 emergency medical backpacks and personal protective equipment (PPE). In South Sudan, IOM received cholera kits, medicines and emergency medical backpacks to help address shortages and the

Gaza. IOM Egypt, which plays a key role in responding to the humanitarian crises in Gaza and the Sudan, received over 100 emergency medical backpacks and personal protective equipment (PPE). In South Sudan, IOM received cholera kits, medicines and emergency medical backpacks to help address shortages and the logistical challenges of transporting medical aid amid ongoing conflict in the Sudan. IOM and Direct Relief are exploring further collaboration on global supply chains, data sharing, migration health initiatives and pandemic preparedness and response. This partnership highlights how collaboration with non-profit charitable organizations can advance the health of displaced persons, migrants and host communities, and public health more broadly, improving access to health care and ensuring essential medical aid reaches those who need it most.

SPOTLIGHT

PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS Promoting access to health care for Ukrainian refugees In response to displacement caused by the war in Ukraine, IOM is strengthening health systems and improving access to care for refugees and displaced people from Ukraine under the European Uniont’s T emporary Protection Directive. Launched in October 2023, the project is being implemented in 10 countries: Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Republic of Moldova, Romania and Slovakia. T o bridge linguistic and cultural barriers, 27 cultural and health mediators were trained and deployed in 2024, providing health system navigation, medical support, document assistance and counselling, benefiting over 6,000 people. Fifty-one health workers from Ukraine are engaged in the national health system in Bulgaria and the Republic of Moldova. Parallel efforts in Czechia, Poland and Slovakia are underway to empower health workers from Ukraine to advance in their professional development. In Hungary, Latvia and Lithuania, vocational education and training have been implemented to help health professionals acquire medical terminology and understand administrative procedures. Collaboration and knowledge sharing are also key focus areas of IOM’s operations with Bulgaria, forming a Regional T echnical

from Ukraine to advance in their professional development. In Hungary, Latvia and Lithuania, vocational education and training have been implemented to help health professionals acquire medical terminology and understand administrative procedures. Collaboration and knowledge sharing are also key focus areas of IOM’s operations with Bulgaria, forming a Regional T echnical Health Working Group and the Republic of Moldova, training over 650 health providers on refugee health entitlements. In Romania, mobile teams are supporting refugees and people displaced from Ukraine in navigating Romania’s medical and social services through organized information and medical counselling sessions in several cities and online. In April 2024, the first WHO Knowledge Forum on Refugee and Migrant Health gathered Member States and partners to exchange best practices while a health system review in Estonia and assessments in Romania are informing policies and practices to enhance access to health care and system resilience. Through these initiatives, IOM, WHO, the European Union and its partners are ensuring that displaced Ukrainians receive the care they need while strengthening health systems for the future. 5 The signing ceremony of the global agreement between Direct Relief and IOM, held in Geneva, marked a milestone in enhancing emergency health preparedness and response to crisis-affected populations. © IOM 2024DRIVING DURABLE SOLUTIONS:

ANTICIPATING AND MITIGATING

HEALTH-RELATED RISKS IN DISPLACEMENT 2024 IMPACT OVERVIEW A demonstration of the use of IOM’s electronic Personal Health Record (e-PHR) digital platform. © IOM 2024 67

MIGRATION HEALTH I