The Intersection Between Migration and Global Health: Gaps in Research and Data

Abstract

Migration and health is one of the fields that encompasses all key aspects of global health. The health of migrants is impacted predominantly by determinants of health, conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. The determinants are dynamic and vary during the pre-departure, transit, arrival and return phases, spanning across cities, regions, countries and continents. Literature on migration and health is not reflective of the global migratory patterns and their composition. The literature is predominantly produced by researchers in high-income countries, overlooking patterns and priorities in low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, data on migratory status, a determinant of health, is often absent in national health information systems. It is essential to generate evidence that considers the diverse nature of migration and the heterogeneous migrant population across and within nations and regions.