Background

More people are on the move now than ever before, with approximately one in eight individuals globally either migrants or forcibly displaced. Despite not being inherently less healthy than host populations, millions in vulnerable situations face poorer health outcomes, especially where living and working conditions are substandard. Prioritizing their right to timely, affordable, and dignified healthcare is crucial for achieving health for all, in alignment with WHO Global Action Plan on Promoting the Health of Refugees and Migrants WHO Global Action Plan on Promoting the Health of Refugees and Migrants 2019-2030.  

The WHO Department of Health and Migration organizes its yearly Global School on Refugee and Migrant Health in collaboration with regional and country offices to support countries in addressing the health needs and rights of people on the move by promoting knowledge sharing and leveraging experiences in advancing the health of these populations.  

The fifth edition of the WHO Global School on Refugee and Migrant Health will take place from 2-6 of December 2024, web streamed from Bogotá Colombia, with a focus on “Advancing Universal Health Coverage for refugees and migrants: from evidence to action". The event is organized by the WHO’s Department of Health and Migration in close collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization/WHO Regional Office for the Americas, hosted by Colombia’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection. 

This flagship 5-day course brings together governments, UN agencies, researchers, NGOs, and civil society to share experiences, identify gaps, and pave the way for inclusive healthcare solutions. From 2020 to 2023, Global Schools were held in Switzerland, Jordan, Bangladesh, and Senegal.

Audience 

The target audience is health sector and government officials, health sector managers, health and non-health sector policy-makers, public health experts, international and nongovernmental organizations, youth associations, and other relevant sectors contributing to refugee and migrant health. 

Format 

The event will occur in a hybrid format with in-person and virtual participation. In-person participation is by invitation only. Virtual participants can follow the school on Zoom, through live streaming from Colombia. Certificates will be available for participants.  

Agenda and registration link will be available soon. Re-visit the WHO event page for updated information.