Two reports are highlighted: one presenting how investing in better data can help manage migration more effectively, and one looking at improving the access and appropriateness of health services in EU/EEA. In addition, two journal articles are presented: one focusing on evaluating the feasibility and health impact of diagnosis and management of certain medical conditions before travel, and one centering on the health inequities faced by the Roma population in Europe.

A brief overview is provided on the ‘MHADRI Global Network Member Meeting’ held in Colombo, Sri Lanka in Sep 2017, outlining MHADRI’s vision and initiatives. A book on the assessment of malaria control in Yemen is highlighted. Lastly, three journal articles are presented; one from IOM Nairobi focusing on evaluation of rapid diagnostic test for Rotavirus in Dadaab Refugee Camp; one from IOM Washington D.C.

This chapter looks at the current evidence and practice of health assessments amongst persons, who experienced forced migration, including asylum seekers and refugees. It places health assessments into its historical context and outlines national and international frameworks relevant to these. The main body of the chapter reviews the current practice in health assessments alongside the policy framework and evidence and provides specific examples from countries.

Abstract 

Background: Elevated blood lead levels lead to permanent neurocognitive sequelae in children. Resettled refugee children in the United States are considered at high risk for elevated blood lead levels, but the prevalence of and risk factors for elevated blood lead levels before resettlement have not been described.

Approximately 70,000-90,000 refugees are resettled to the United States each year, and during the next 5 years, 50,000 Congolese refugees are expected to arrive in the United States. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) performs refugee medical examinations overseas for the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program. In 2014, IOM reported that a large number of U.S.-bound Congolese refugees from Uganda had spleens that were enlarged on examination.

The current global refugee crisis involves 65.3 million persons who have been displaced from their homes or countries of origin. While escaping immediate harm may be their first priority, displaced people go on to face numerous health risks, including trauma and injuries, malnutrition, infectious diseases, exacerbation of existing chronic diseases, and mental health conditions. This crisis highlights the importance of building capacity among health-care providers, scientists, and laboratorians to understand and respond to the health needs of refugees.

The Migration Health Division of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) acts with Member States, UN agencies and other partners in the international community to meet the operational challenges of migration, advance understanding of migration health issues, encourage socioeconomic development through migration, and work towards ensuring respect of the human dignity and well-being of migrants.

Refugees flee a nightmare of war and persecution and dream of peace and protection. But if peace and protection come in the form of resettlement, it can be a long and arduous process for the dream to become reality. In the resettlement process, there are many agencies involved and countless details to verify, such as security details and vulnerability checks–all of which can take the best part of a year.

Abstract