Missing: Where Are the Migrants in Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plans?

Novel influenza viruses continue to emerge, posing zoonotic and potentially pandemic threats. Many countries have developed pandemic influenza preparedness plans (PIPPs) aimed at guiding actions and investments to respond to such outbreak events. In our analysis of PIPPs from 21 low to middle-income countries, we found only three that identified strategies for at least one migrant group.   
 

The Middle East and North Africa: Annual Report 2014

In 2014, significant flows of migration to, through and from the Middle East and North Africa continued unabated. Ongoing conflict, economic stagnation, and political turmoil were main drivers of migration, though motives for movement remain complex. Irregular migration especially for vulnerable or under-protected people such as unaccompanied minors, women and sexual minorities – exposed migrants to an array of risks as they attempted to attain physical safety and economic stability.

Migration Health – Annual Review 2015

This report illustrates IOM’s health activities in 2015 and presents key achievements in the three main migration health programme areas: (a) migration health assessments and travel health assistance; (b) health promotion and assistance for migrants; and (c) migration health assistance for crisis-affected populations. The report also highlights emerging themes in migration and health – work on advancing the unfinished agenda of migrant health for the benefit of all; and advancing the global health security agenda.