Public health
Public health
UNHCR works with governments and partners to provide emergency health care, improve local health services and include refugees in national health systems and plans.
Health is a fundamental human right for all, including refugees. Refugees should have access to the same or similar healthcare as host populations, as outlined in the 1951 Refugee Convention.
Many refugees, however, face obstacles in meeting their health needs.
UNHCR works with governments and partners to include refugees in national health policies, plans and systems, support access to affordable preventive and curative health care, and strengthen local health services.
Our approach to public health aligns with the Global Compact of Refugees and SDGs where we envisage a world where Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a reality, including for refugees.
How does UNHCR help improve the health and wellbeing of refugees?
We strive to improve the health and well-being of refugees by addressing the full spectrum of their needs. We begin by approaching public health from multiple angles, including:
- advocacy and partnerships for inclusion into national health policies and systems;
- affordable access to comprehensive healthcare and nutrition services;
- promotion of healthy living and meaningful community engagement;
- collection and analysis of health data.
We work with a broad range of partners including governments, ministries of health, UN agencies, developmental actors, NGOs, academia, philanthropies and the private sector. Through our advocacy, programming and partnerships, many refugees and host communities can access safe, effective, equitable and affordable health services.
Recognizing the social determinants of health, we work intersectorally within UNHCR and externally with key sectors including protection, shelter, food security and livelihoods, WASH and energy and education sectors.
What are the main health needs of refugees?
Before displacement, many refugees live in countries experiencing humanitarian crises. During the journey out of their country, refugees may face harsh or dangerous conditions that have severe consequences for their physical and psychological well-being.
Do refugees get free healthcare?
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Third Global Consultation on the Health of Refugees and Migrants
The World Health Organization (WHO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will hold the 3rd Global Consultation on the health of refugees and migrants from 13–15 June 2023.
Hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco in Rabat, the 3rd Global Consultation serves as a meaningful and sustained platform for multi-sectoral dialogue on refugee and migration health.
Building upon previous forums and commitments, including the WHO Global Action Plan on promoting the health of refugees and migrants 2019-2023, the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and its first revision process, the International Migration Review Forum, and the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), the 3rd Global Consultation will assess progress and good practices in promoting the health and well-being of refugee and migrant populations, consider emerging and persistent challenges, foster implementation of key priorities, and build further political commitment on the way forward.
Its purpose is to inform policy decisions and the implementation of appropriate interventions to improve, protect and preserve the health and well-being of refugees and migrants, as well as host communities.
