Abstract

Background
International labour migration continues to be an integral component in Sri Lanka’s economic development. Previous research indicates an adverse perinatal outcome in association with low maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (PBMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG). However, evidence of this association is limited in migrant families. This study aims to investigate the associations between PBMI, GWG among lactating mothers (LM), and fetal outcomes in migrant households, where the father is the migrant worker.

This report is an annual overview of activities led and implemented by the Migration Health Division of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in 2020, in partnership with Member States, United Nations agencies and other partners in the international community, to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, meet the operational challenges and advance understanding of migration health, encourage socioeconomic development through migration, and work towards ensuring respect of the human dignity and well-being of migrants.

The purpose of this Mid Term Review (MTR) was to review and evaluate the project approach, progress and results to date against the agreed results framework indicators, with a focus upon relevance, efficiency and effectiveness.

At midterm, several successes have been recorded. These include increases in knowledge and enhanced coverage by SRH services for adolescents and young people, migrants and sex workers, as well as members of host communities.

Sub-Saharan Africa has some of the worst Sexual and Productive Health (SRH) outcomes globally, including high rates of unplanned pregnancies, maternal morbidity and mortality, unmet family planning needs, high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), cervical cancer and unsafe abortions. Poor SRH outcomes are heightened among migrant girls and women, many of whom are pressured into risky migration decisions for their survival, while having limited choices, and often limited information available to them regarding their sexuality and

Sub-Saharan Africa has some of the worst sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes globally. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights-HIV Knows No Borders (KNB) is a project covering six migration-affected countries in Southern Africa: Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia.

The project seeks to improve the sexual and reproductive (including HIV-related) health of both migrant and non-migrant adolescents and young people, sex workers and others who live in migration-affected communities.

IOM’s HIV and SRHR Knows No Borders (KNB) project is part of a regional programme of work on HIV/AIDS and SRHR in Southern Africa (2016-2020). In 2019, MDF Training and Consultancy was commissioned by the donor to conduct an evaluation of the five projects, including KNB, that together comprise the regional programme. The evaluation included contribution analysis and case studies in Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia, three of the six countries where the KNB project is operating.

This issue of the Bulletin features research articles, reports, and commentary pieces on relevant migration health topics such as reproductive health, mental health, and COVID-19 in the context of mobility.

The audio podcast episode focuses on women refugees’ access to maternal health services in Kenya.

Reliable information on the health vulnerabilities and resilience factors of cross-border migrants and associated possible preventive measures is lacking. To remedy this gap and thereby facilitate the development of evidence-informed policy and programme development, this study was undertaken to assess the health vulnerabilities of Nepali migrants to India.

Background

The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development puts people at the center of all actions, particularly the most marginalized and disempowered, for the realization of societies that are more equitable and inclusive. It also acknowledges that migration carries a development potential, owing to migrants’ intellectual, cultural, human and financial capital, and their active participation in society. Being and staying healthy is a fundamental precondition for migrants to work, be productive, and contribute to the social and economic development of communities of origin and destination.