Primary health care-oriented responses for migrants, refugees and displaced populations

Overview

This eighth report in the WHO Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration (GEHM) series examines how primary health care (PHC)-oriented responses can improve access to, quality of and responsiveness of health services for migrants, refugees and displaced populations. Drawing on a scoping review of international evidence, it assesses approaches involving integrated health services, multisectoral policy and action, and empowered people and communities.

The review finds that PHC oriented responses can improve accessibility, continuity and coordination of care, particularly through culturally appropriate services, community engagement and integration within health systems. Even partially implemented approaches demonstrated benefits, although challenges remain in ensuring comprehensive care and sustainable financing. Evidence gaps include limited research from low- and middle-income countries, underrepresentation of certain migrant groups and insufficient assessment of longer-term and system-level outcomes. Policy considerations emphasize integrating effective approaches into national health systems, strengthening multisectoral coordination and sustainable financing, adapting interventions to local contexts and mobility patterns, and meaningfully engaging affected communities to advance equitable, migrant-sensitive health services.