National governments collaborating to improve the health and well-being of migrants and refugees

Joint Event on 3^rd International Conference on General Practice & Primary Care & 24^th International Conference on Dental Public Health & Dental Hygiene

August 16-17, 2018 Madrid, Spain

Paul Doug

International Organization for Migration, Switzerland

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Gen Pract

Abstract :

Statement of the Problem: The nature of migration is rapidly changing. It is more complex and multidirectional than ever before, raising implications for global public health where population movements serve as a bridge for passage of disease between countries and the management of these risks. Undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed conditions can affect migrantsâ?? health before travel and delivery of services after arrival. Existing approaches to manage these risks have not always kept pace with growing challenges associated with volume and complexity of modern migration patterns. Many governments across the globe assess the health of migrants prior to travel through pre-migration health assessments (PMHA) undertaken by panels of local health professionals in countries of origin, mainly working in primary health care. The convergence of more rigorous international protocols across governments presents a unique opportunity to indirectly contribute to meeting global health elimination agendas. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: This presentation outlines how collaboration between governments of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States of America have improved pre-migration health screening in primary health through information sharing, collaborative learning and increased capability in countries of origin, to not only screen for illness and disability, but to more effectively put measures in place to address these before, during and after arrival. We reviewed current screening and treatment protocols of all countries to identify areas of collaboration and synergies that may lead to benefits in health outcomes and integration post-arrival and explore post arrival programs that assist well-being. Findings: Through comprehensive training of primary health providers, increased capacity of diagnostics and immunization, standardized screening and treatment protocols, health assessments were found to be an effective way of identifying disease to initiate early treatment and improve settlement. Improved, synergized screening protocols across governments enable local family physicians to meet the public health standards of receiving countries, while maximizing program effectiveness through capacity building and delivering the highest standards in host countries. Conclusion & Significance: Many of these issues cannot be solved by one country alone, and key learningâ??s and resources can be leveraged by working together to address our common challenges. International collaboration between countries, through shared learning and resources for improved health outcomes, helps to understand and respond to migration health issues.

Biography :

E-mail: pdouglas@iom.int