Immigrants
According to the World Health Organization, there are an estimated 1 billion migrants in the world today (214 million international migrants and 740 million internal migrants). The collective health needs and implications of this sizeable population are considerable. Migration flows comprise a wide range of populations, such as workers, refugees, students, undocumented migrants and others, with each different health determinants, needs and levels of vulnerability.
In our current globalized world defined by profound disparities, skill shortages, demographic imbalances, climate change as well as economic and political crises, natural as well as man-made disasters, migration is omnipresent. Migration is also essential for some societies to compensate for demographic trends and skill shortages and to assist home communities with remittances.
Inequities
"There is substantial evidence of inequities in both the state of health of these groups and the accessibility and quality of health services available to them. However, differences from the majority population vary according to the specific group being studied, the health problems or services involved, and the country concerned. Some groups may in certain respects enjoy health advantages (The healthy immigrant effect), but it is mainly disadvantages that have been documented.
With rare exceptions, migrants and ethnic minorities tend to occupy a less-favorable social position and research indicates that this is strongly linked to their health problems. Statistically speaking, many health discrepancies are reduced or disappear when socioeconomic status is controlled for. Some, however, do not; even when they do, it may be more plausible to regard socioeconomic status as an intervening variable rather than as the root cause of ill health. Social disadvantage is reinforced by the manifold processes of social exclusion to which migrants and ethnic minorities may be exposed. Discrimination at individual and institutional levels, as well as the limited social rights accorded to many migrants, must be regarded as the fundamental cause of many health problems." (How health systems can address health inequities linked to migration and ethnicity. Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2010.)
A political climate of fear
To tackle health inequities, it is necessary for health systems not only to improve the services available to migrants and ethnic minorities, but also to address the social determinants of health across many sectors. A wide range of policies and practices needs to be critically examined in the light of their consequences for the health and wellbeing of migrants and ethnic minorities.
The current political climate of fear and anger has led to more closed door policies and is restricting access of health services to those who need them the very most. The refugee populations find themselves especially vulnerable with elevated numbers of mental disorders, such as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
While the fear of terrorism and drug violence is real and understandable, governments, medical professionals, and health systems must strive to provide equal and quality care to all, while continuing to improve the those situations that are causing the need for care.
More Information here:
How health systems can address health inequities linked to migration and ethnicity. Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2010
http://www.who.int/hac/techguidance/health_of_migrants/en/
According to the World Health Organization, there are an estimated 1 billion migrants in the world today (214 million international migrants and 740 million internal migrants). The collective health needs and implications of this sizeable population are considerable. Migration flows comprise a wide range of populations, such as workers, refugees, students, undocumented migrants and others, with each different health determinants, needs and levels of vulnerability.
In our current globalized world defined by profound disparities, skill shortages, demographic imbalances, climate change as well as economic and political crises, natural as well as man-made disasters, migration is omnipresent. Migration is also essential for some societies to compensate for demographic trends and skill shortages and to assist home communities with remittances.
Inequities
"There is substantial evidence of inequities in both the state of health of these groups and the accessibility and quality of health services available to them. However, differences from the majority population vary according to the specific group being studied, the health problems or services involved, and the country concerned. Some groups may in certain respects enjoy health advantages (The healthy immigrant effect), but it is mainly disadvantages that have been documented.
With rare exceptions, migrants and ethnic minorities tend to occupy a less-favorable social position and research indicates that this is strongly linked to their health problems. Statistically speaking, many health discrepancies are reduced or disappear when socioeconomic status is controlled for. Some, however, do not; even when they do, it may be more plausible to regard socioeconomic status as an intervening variable rather than as the root cause of ill health. Social disadvantage is reinforced by the manifold processes of social exclusion to which migrants and ethnic minorities may be exposed. Discrimination at individual and institutional levels, as well as the limited social rights accorded to many migrants, must be regarded as the fundamental cause of many health problems." (How health systems can address health inequities linked to migration and ethnicity. Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2010.)
A political climate of fear
To tackle health inequities, it is necessary for health systems not only to improve the services available to migrants and ethnic minorities, but also to address the social determinants of health across many sectors. A wide range of policies and practices needs to be critically examined in the light of their consequences for the health and wellbeing of migrants and ethnic minorities.
The current political climate of fear and anger has led to more closed door policies and is restricting access of health services to those who need them the very most. The refugee populations find themselves especially vulnerable with elevated numbers of mental disorders, such as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
While the fear of terrorism and drug violence is real and understandable, governments, medical professionals, and health systems must strive to provide equal and quality care to all, while continuing to improve the those situations that are causing the need for care.
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| Health for all |
How health systems can address health inequities linked to migration and ethnicity. Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2010
http://www.who.int/hac/techguidance/health_of_migrants/en/
Difícil lo tienen todos aquellos que no tienen ni siquiera las necesidades primarias cubiertas...Para muchos inmigrantes la alimentación es la primera necesidad, anterior a la salud. Es escalofriante la situación mundial en este aspecto. ¡Cuántos mundos en un único planeta!.
ReplyDeleteSaludos.