Country Correspondent: Roosa Tikkanen
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) first-ever report on the health of refugees and migrants in Europe shows increasing vulnerability to both communicable and noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, depression, and anxiety once individuals enter their host country. Refugees and migrants also present with cancer at more advanced stages. Although European countries are implementing a strategy and action plan for refugee and migrant health, the report called for greater progress in making health systems responsive to displaced populations, including by ensuring culturally and linguistically appropriate care as well as access to basic preventive care. Migrants make up 10 percent of Europe’s population; 7 percent are refugees.