GMJ Knowledge Hub  |  Published by the Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG)

Health and Migration: A Comprehensive Resource Hub

A curated, peer-reviewed catalogue of leading international publications, datasets, clinical guidelines, policy frameworks, training programmes, and research networks in the field of refugee and migrant health. Compiled by the Georgian Medical Journal (GMJ) for researchers, clinicians, public health practitioners, and policy-makers.

Scope: 14 sections  •  130+ resources  •  WHO • UNHCR • IOM • UN Agencies • IFRC • IRC • MSF • Academic Institutions • Networks  •  Updated: April 2026

Contents

I. World Health Organization (WHO)  •  II. WHO Global Competency Standards  •  III. UNHCR  •  IV. IOM  •  V. Other UN Agencies  •  VI. IFRC  •  VII. IRC  •  VIII. MSF  •  IX. Academic Institutions  •  X. Other Organizations  •  XI. Training Programmes  •  XII. Master’s Degrees  •  XIII. Networks and Platforms  •  XIV. Policy Frameworks

WHO

World Health Organization — Health and Migration Programme

The principal global authority on refugee and migrant health. WHO leads the Global Action Plan (2019–2030), coordinates the Global Competency Standards, produces global evidence reviews, operates the Health and Migration Programme (PHM), and convenes the Global School on Refugee and Migrant Health. The Programme Director reports directly to the WHO Director-General.

World Report on the Health of Refugees and Migrants

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Flagship Report  |  Year: 2022

Landmark WHO report providing the first comprehensive global synthesis of health status, determinants, risks, and strategic priorities for refugee and migrant populations. Draws on evidence from over 100 countries and sets the agenda for inclusive health system reform.

Monitoring Progress on the WHO Global Action Plan on the Health of Refugees and Migrants: First Global Baseline Report

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Flagship Report  |  Year: 2026

First global baseline assessment of WHO Global Action Plan (GAP) implementation across Member States. Identifies progress, persistent gaps, and priority actions for the 2026–2030 period. Essential reference for national policy-makers and programme evaluators.

Global Survey on Health and Migration: Results from 93 WHO Member States

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Survey Report  |  Year: 2025

WHO survey conducted across 93 Member States to assess national policies, system capacities, data availability, and programmatic responses for refugee and migrant health. Provides the most current global baseline on institutional preparedness.

Common Health Needs of Refugees and Migrants

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Clinical Reference  |  Year: Current

WHO practical reference guide cataloguing the most prevalent health conditions, social determinants, and service delivery needs across refugee and migrant populations globally. Intended for front-line clinicians and programme managers.

WHO Global Action Plan on Promoting the Health of Refugees and Migrants, 2019–2030 (Consolidated Edition)

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Policy Document  |  Year: 2024 ed.

Authoritative consolidated document covering the WHO GAP as extended through 2030 by WHA76.14. Comprises the original draft plan (A72/25 Rev.1), the WHA72(14) decision, and the 2023 extension resolution, supporting implementation monitoring and global coordination.

Addressing the Needs of Refugees and Migrants: An Inclusive Approach to Universal Health Coverage

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Policy Brief  |  Year: Current

WHO strategic publication establishing the conceptual and operational framework for integrating refugee and migrant health needs into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) mechanisms. Addresses entitlement, financing, and governance dimensions.

WHO Global Competency Standards for Refugee and Migrant Health: Summary

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Framework / Standards  |  Year: 2021

Nine competency standards across five domains constituting the global benchmark for health worker performance in refugee and migrant health services. Estonia became the first country to embed these standards in national medical education (2026). For the full resource section including eLearning, training events, and multimedia, see Section II.

Strengthening Health Systems to Improve the Health of Displaced and Migrant Populations in the Context of Climate Change

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Evidence Brief  |  Year: 2024

WHO evidence brief identifying the compounding health impacts of climate change on displaced and migrant populations as one of the most under-researched areas in global health. Outlines key risks including worsening disease burden, food insecurity, heat stress, and waterborne disease outbreaks, and proposes policy considerations for climate-resilient, migrant-inclusive health systems.

Health System Strengthening Interventions for Displaced and Migrant Populations in the Context of Climate Change: Systematic Review

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Systematic Review  |  Year: 2025

Systematic review examining health system strengthening interventions for displaced and migrant populations with particular reference to climate-related displacement. Provides evidence-graded recommendations for system resilience and adaptive capacity.

Mental Health of Refugees and Migrants: Risk and Protective Factors and Access to Care

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Evidence Review  |  Year: 2023

The fifth report of the WHO Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration (GEHM) series. Provides a comprehensive synthesis of evidence on mental health risk and protective factors and barriers to care at individual, family, community, and national levels. Identifies five high-level themes: self-identity, basic needs, cultural stigma, exposure to adversity, and navigating health systems, with policy considerations for each.

WHO Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration (GEHM) — Complete Series (Reports 1–7)

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Evidence Review Series  |  Year: 2021–2025

Seven-report WHO series providing systematic evidence synthesis on migration-related health priorities. Reports cover: (1) COVID-19 and migration policies; (2) noncommunicable diseases; (3) immunisation; (4) antimicrobial resistance; (5) mental health (see Section I.3); (6) older refugees and ageing; (7) health systems strengthening in the context of climate change. Each report includes evidence-based policy considerations for governments, health system managers, and practitioners globally.

World Report on Social Determinants of Health Equity

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) — Commission on Social Connection  |  Type: Flagship Report  |  Year: 2025

WHO’s landmark 2025 commission report establishing that social determinants of health — including migration status, legal precarity, poverty, and discrimination — are responsible for the majority of preventable health inequities globally. Directly frames the structural context for refugee and migrant health outcomes and provides the macro-level evidence base for rights-based health system reform.

Dementia in Refugees and Migrants

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Clinical Evidence Review  |  Year: 2024

WHO publication addressing an understudied clinical domain: the diagnosis, management, and care pathways for dementia among refugee and migrant populations. Identifies research and policy gaps and provides guidance for health system adaptation.

Global Research Agenda on Health, Migration and Displacement

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Research Agenda  |  Year: Current

WHO strategic document identifying priority research domains for advancing the global evidence base on health, migration, and displacement. Accompanied by a multimedia presentation by the WHO Director of the Health and Migration Programme.

Report of the First Meeting of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Health, Migration and Displacement

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Advisory Group Report  |  Year: 2024

Official proceedings of the inaugural meeting of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Health, Migration and Displacement (TAG-HMD). Establishes the governance framework for WHO’s technical advisory structure on this field for the 2024–2030 period.

WHO Health System Review: Refugee and Migrant Health in Lithuania

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Country Health System Review  |  Year: 2025

WHO country-level health system review examining Lithuania’s national capacity, policies, and service infrastructure for refugee and migrant health. Contributes to the European evidence base for national health system adaptation and good practice exchange.

mhGAP Humanitarian Intervention Guide (mhGAP-HIG), First Edition

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) / United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)  |  Type: Clinical Guideline  |  Year: 2015

First-line clinical management guide for mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) conditions in humanitarian emergencies, including post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, psychosis, and suicide risk. Developed jointly by WHO and UNHCR for use by non-specialist health workers.

mhGAP Intervention Guide, Version 2.0

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Clinical Guideline  |  Year: 2016

Second edition of the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) Intervention Guide. Employs integrated clinical decision algorithms for MNS conditions in non-specialized settings. Especially relevant for health workers serving migrant and refugee populations in resource-limited environments.

WHO-PHI Global Competency Framework for Universal Health Coverage

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Competency Framework  |  Year: Current

Foundational WHO framework underpinning the Refugee and Migrant Health Competency Standards. Defines the domains, competencies, and measurable outcomes for health workforce performance across primary health care settings globally.

Migration and Health: Enhancing Intercultural Competence and Diversity Sensitivity

Source: World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe)  |  Type: Publication  |  Year: Current

WHO/Europe publication providing practical guidance on developing intercultural competence and diversity sensitivity for health workers serving refugee and migrant populations. Addresses cultural mediation, language barriers, and health worker training approaches within the European health system context.

The Health of Refugees and Migrants in the WHO European Region — Fact Sheet

Source: World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe)  |  Type: Fact Sheet  |  Year: Current

WHO/Europe dedicated fact sheet on the health status, determinants, and system responses for refugees and migrants in the European Region. Covers epidemiological data, access to services, mental health, communicable diseases, and regional policy priorities. Essential reference for European public health practitioners and policy-makers.

WHO — Dedicated Resource Section

II. WHO Global Competency Standards for Refugee and Migrant Health

Nine competency standards across five domains — People-Centredness, Communication, Collaboration, Evidence-Informed Practice, and Personal Conduct — constituting the global benchmark for health worker performance. Implemented in 113 countries. 600+ certificates awarded. 550+ health workers trained in person across 13 countries.

Refugee and Migrant Health: Global Competency Standards for Health Workers

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Standards Document  |  Year: 2021

The benchmark publication defining nine competency standards across five domains. First global framework of its kind for health workers providing services to refugees and migrants. Sets minimum competence levels and measurable behavioural indicators. Forms the basis for the WHO Academy eLearning course and in-person training programmes globally.

Knowledge Guide to Support the Operationalization of the Global Competency Standards

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Supporting Guide  |  Year: 2021

For each of the nine competency standards, this guide details the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to meet the stated benchmark. Designed for educators and health workers to facilitate integration of learning content into clinical practice and professional development programmes.

Curriculum Guide to Support the Operationalization of the Global Competency Standards

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)  |  Type: Supporting Guide  |  Year: 2021

Flexible curriculum template for designing competency-based learning programmes. Can be integrated into pre-service or modular in-service training. Intended for educational institutions, health organisations, and national health authorities seeking to embed the Standards into formal health education systems.

Global Competency Standards for the Provision of Health Services to Refugees and Migrants — WHO Academy Online Course

Source: World Health Organization (WHO Academy)  |  Type: Online Course (Free, Certificate of Achievement)  |  Year: 2024

Six-module, six-hour self-paced online course available free of charge through the WHO Academy. Course content includes videos, presentations, case studies, exercises, and quizzes. Reached learners in 113 countries with over 600 certificates awarded by 2025. Applicable to all health worker categories. Certificate of Achievement issued upon completion.

Health Mediator Training on Global Competency Standards (Riga, Latvia, 24–26 September 2024)

Source: World Health Organization / International Organization for Migration / EU4Health  |  Type: Training Implementation  |  Year: 2024

A 2.5-day intensive training on the Global Competency Standards for health mediators deployed by WHO/IOM in seven countries: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Republic of Moldova, and Romania. Funded under the EU4Health 2023–2025 programme. Training facilitator: Prof. Giorgi Pkhakadze, MD MPH PhD (PHIG / GMJ).

Policy-Makers Orientation Course on Refugee and Migrant Health (Rome, November 2024)

Source: World Health Organization / Italian National Institute of Health, Migration and Poverty (INMP)  |  Type: Training Implementation  |  Year: 2024

Five-day residential course for health policy-makers and senior managers from Egypt, Estonia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, and Uganda. Organised in collaboration with Italy’s National Institute of Health, Migration and Poverty. Marks an expansion of the Competency Standards framework to policy and governance audiences.

Estonia: First Country to Embed WHO Competency Standards in National Medical Education Curriculum

Source: World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe  |  Type: Landmark Implementation  |  Year: Feb 2026

The University of Tartu integrated the WHO Global Competency Standards as a referenced elective e-course within its medical curriculum — the first instance of national-level embedding of these Standards in medical education anywhere in the world. Represents a milestone for implementation science in health workforce development.

UNHCR

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

The United Nations Refugee Agency. Leads global protection, data collection, and policy on forced displacement. Primary institutional source for global refugee statistics, legal frameworks, and health resources in displacement settings.

Global Trends: Forced Displacement Report

Source: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)  |  Type: Annual Statistical Report  |  Year: 2024

UNHCR flagship annual report on global forced displacement, providing authoritative data on refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons, and stateless populations. Essential primary source for displacement epidemiology and trend analysis.

Mid-Year Trends Report

Source: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)  |  Type: Statistical Update  |  Year: 2025–2026

Interim statistical update on forced displacement figures, published mid-year to provide current data between annual Global Trends reports. Used extensively in rapid evidence synthesis and humanitarian health planning.

UNHCR Refugee Data Finder

Source: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)  |  Type: Interactive Database  |  Year: Live

Comprehensive interactive database providing downloadable data on refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons, and stateless persons. Indispensable tool for researchers, public health analysts, and policy-makers requiring disaggregated population data.

Global Compact on Refugees

Source: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)  |  Type: International Policy Framework  |  Year: 2018

UN General Assembly-endorsed multilateral framework establishing principles for more equitable and predictable sharing of responsibilities for refugee populations. Health is a central component, with specific commitments on access to national health systems.

UNHCR Master Glossary of Terms

Source: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)  |  Type: Reference Glossary  |  Year: 2021

Authoritative glossary of terminology in refugee protection and migration. Provides standardised definitions essential for research, clinical documentation, and policy instruments across the humanitarian and health sectors.

New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants

Source: United Nations General Assembly  |  Type: International Resolution  |  Year: 2016

UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/71/1 establishing multilateral commitments to protect the rights and welfare of refugees and migrants. Foundation document for the two global compacts. Affirms non-refoulement and health rights for all persons regardless of migration status.

IOM

International Organization for Migration

The leading intergovernmental organisation in migration. IOM administers the most comprehensive migration health data and research portal globally, leads implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, and operates pre-departure health assessment programmes for resettled refugees.

IOM Migration Health Research Portal

Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)  |  Type: Research Repository  |  Year: Active

The most comprehensive global repository for migration health research, publications, and data. Recommended primary starting point for systematic literature searches and evidence synthesis in migration and health. Indexes publications from IOM and partner organisations.

Migration Health Data: An IOM Primer

Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)  |  Type: Methodological Guide  |  Year: 2025

Practical guidance on the collection, interpretation, and application of migration health data, including indicator definitions, data source evaluation, and methodological considerations for health researchers and programme evaluators.

Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM)

Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)  |  Type: Live Data Platform  |  Year: Active

IOM’s global platform for real-time tracking of displacement populations, mobility patterns, and vulnerability indicators across more than 80 countries. Primary source for operational data in humanitarian health response planning.

Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM)

Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM) / United Nations  |  Type: International Policy Framework  |  Year: 2018

First intergovernmental agreement covering all dimensions of international migration, with health prominently integrated across multiple objectives. IOM-led implementation framework. Health provisions include portability of entitlements, access to services, and occupational health protections.

UN

Other United Nations Agencies

Key resources from UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP, ILO, UNDESA, IDMC, and UNODC, each addressing specific health, welfare, and rights dimensions of migration across child protection, reproductive health, labour, and displacement data domains.

UNICEF: Uprooted — The Growing Crisis for Refugee and Migrant Children

Source: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)  |  Type: Flagship Report  |  Year: 2017

UNICEF landmark report on child migration and displacement, examining health risks, child protection concerns, and psychosocial impacts across the migration continuum. Foundational reference for paediatric migrant health policy.

UNICEF: Child Protection — Migrant and Displaced Children

Source: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)  |  Type: Resource Hub  |  Year: Active

UNICEF’s central hub for research, data, and programmatic guidance on child migrants, asylum-seeking children, and displaced minors. Includes technical notes, data visualisations, and country-level programmatic resources.

UNICEF–UNHCR Strategic Collaboration Framework on Refugees and Migrant Children

Source: UNICEF / UNHCR  |  Type: Joint Policy Framework  |  Year: Current

Joint operational framework governing UNICEF–UNHCR cooperation on refugee children’s health, education, and protection, with shared programmatic objectives and accountability mechanisms.

UNFPA: Sexual and Reproductive Health in Humanitarian Settings — Crisis Guide (PDF)

Source: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)  |  Type: Technical Guidance  |  Year: Current

UNFPA technical guidance on ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health services for refugees and displaced women, including emergency obstetric care, family planning, and gender-based violence response protocols.

UNDP Human Development Report 2009: Human Mobility and Development

Source: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)  |  Type: Human Development Report  |  Year: 2009

Seminal UNDP report on human mobility and development. Establishes the conceptual framework linking migration to human development outcomes and remains a foundational text for understanding migration’s developmental dimensions.

UNDP: Promoting Development Approaches to Migration and Displacement — Four Focus Areas

Source: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)  |  Type: Policy Framework  |  Year: Current

UNDP publication outlining four specific focus areas for development-oriented responses to migration and displacement, linking health outcomes to economic inclusion, social protection, legal frameworks, and community resilience.

ILO Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers (Fourth Edition)

Source: International Labour Organization (ILO)  |  Type: Statistical Report  |  Year: Current

ILO flagship statistical report on migrant workers globally, providing data on labour force composition, sectoral distribution, working conditions, and occupational health indicators by sex and region.

ILO: Safety and Health for Migrant Workers

Source: International Labour Organization (ILO)  |  Type: Technical Framework  |  Year: Current

ILO technical guidance on occupational safety, health, and well-being of migrant workers. Addresses exposure to workplace hazards, access to social protection, and policy frameworks for rights-based labour migration governance.

UNDESA: International Migrant Stock 2024

Source: United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA)  |  Type: Statistical Database  |  Year: 2024

United Nations global statistical database on the number of international migrants by country of origin and destination, disaggregated by age, sex, and region of birth. Primary global source for migrant stock data and trend analysis.

IDMC: Global Report on Internal Displacement (GRID 2025)

Source: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC)  |  Type: Annual Report  |  Year: 2025

IDMC’s flagship annual report on internal displacement globally, covering conflict, violence, and disaster-induced displacement. Essential complementary data source alongside UNHCR refugee statistics for comprehensive displacement epidemiology.

UNODC: Smuggling of Migrants and Health Vulnerability

Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)  |  Type: Research Report  |  Year: Current

UNODC report examining the health vulnerabilities of smuggled migrants, including physical injuries, sexual violence, mental health trauma, and barriers to accessing health services along irregular migration routes.

IFRC

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Leads humanitarian health response for migrants, refugees, and internally displaced persons through 192 National Societies globally. Specialises in mental health and psychosocial support, community health, and crisis-affected population programming.

IFRC: Health and Care for Migrants, Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons — Programme Hub

Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)  |  Type: Programme Hub  |  Year: Active

IFRC’s primary resource hub for health and care programming across the displacement and migration continuum. Covers emergency response, community health, MHPSS, and protection.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for Refugees, Asylum-Seekers and Migrants on the Move in Europe

Source: MHPSS Hub / IFRC  |  Type: Guidance Note  |  Year: Current

Guidance note from the MHPSS Hub providing evidence-based advice on protecting and supporting mental health and psychosocial well-being of refugees, asylum-seekers, and migrants on the move in Europe. Aligned with IASC MHPSS guidelines and European public health practice.

IRC

International Rescue Committee

Leading humanitarian organisation delivering integrated health, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and displaced populations. The Airbel Impact Lab produces peer-reviewed operational research and validated clinical tools for refugee health settings.

Airbel Impact Lab: Evidence-Based Health Innovation for Displaced Populations

Source: International Rescue Committee (IRC)  |  Type: Research and Innovation Hub  |  Year: Active

IRC’s dedicated research and innovation centre, producing peer-reviewed evidence on cost-effective health interventions for displaced populations. Emphasis on rigorous evaluation methodologies and scalable implementation models.

Refugee Health Screener-15 (RHS-15)

Source: International Rescue Committee (IRC) / Pathways to Wellness  |  Type: Validated Screening Instrument  |  Year: Validated

A validated 15-item instrument for identifying mental health distress—including PTSD, depression, and anxiety—in recently resettled refugee populations. Developed by Hollifield et al. and validated across multiple cultural contexts. Widely adopted in primary care refugee health screening programmes internationally.

IRC Outcomes and Evidence Framework (OEF)

Source: International Rescue Committee (IRC)  |  Type: Measurement Framework  |  Year: Current

IRC’s systematic framework for tracking health and well-being outcomes for refugees and displaced populations. Covers physical health, safety, economic well-being, and education domains. Used across IRC’s global programme portfolio.

MSF

Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders)

Independent medical humanitarian organisation providing direct clinical care in complex crises. MSF conducts operational research in refugee and migration health through its field research platform and advocates for healthcare access via the Forced Migration Advisor Unit (Brussels).

Mental Health in Crisis Settings: MSF Technical Guidelines

Source: Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)  |  Type: Clinical Guidelines  |  Year: Active

MSF clinical protocols and technical guidelines for mental health care in humanitarian and crisis settings. Covers trauma-informed care, treatment of PTSD, care for survivors of sexual violence, and operational MHPSS programme design for displaced populations.

Academic

Academic Journals, Commissions, and University Research Centres

Leading peer-reviewed platforms, Lancet commissions, and university research centres producing the primary evidence base in migration and health. Lancet Migration is the principal dedicated global journal-platform in this field.

Lancet Migration: Global Platform for Research on Health and Migration

Source: The Lancet  |  Type: Journal Platform  |  Year: Active

The principal dedicated global publication platform and peer-reviewed series for migration and health. Commissions, original research articles, policy analyses, and systematic reviews. Primary academic reference for the field.

Lancet Regional Health — Europe: Commission on Climate, Migration and Health

Source: The Lancet Regional Health — Europe  |  Type: Commission Report  |  Year: 2025

Newly launched Lancet Commission examining intersections of climate change, migration, and health in the European context. Produces policy recommendations for Member States and the European Commission based on systematic evidence review.

UCL–Lancet Commission on Migration and Health

Source: University College London (UCL) / The Lancet  |  Type: Commission Report  |  Year: 2018

Landmark 2018 Lancet Commission challenging harmful myths about migration and health. Establishes the evidence base for treating migration as a social determinant of health and advocates for rights-based, evidence-informed health policy.

Health of a World on the Move: UCL–Lancet Commission on Migration and Health

Source: Abubakar I, Aldridge RW, Devakumar D, Orcutt M et al. / The Lancet  |  Type: Commission Report  |  Year: 2018

The defining academic commission in migration and health. Synthesises evidence across public health, sociology, law, and anthropology to introduce the migration cycle framework, challenge common myths, and establish the foundational evidence base for all major policy initiatives that followed. Over 4,000 citations. Required reading for all practitioners and researchers in the field.

COVID-19 Among Migrants, Refugees, and Internally Displaced Persons: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Qualitative Synthesis

Source: Hintermeier M, Gottlieb N, Rohleder S, Oppenberg J et al. / EClinicalMedicine (The Lancet)  |  Type: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis  |  Year: 2024

Largest evidence synthesis on COVID-19 in migrant populations (53 million participants, 25 databases, 2019–2023). Quantifies higher infection risk, elevated intensive care unit admission and mortality, and substantially lower vaccination coverage. Identifies structural and institutional drivers of health inequity during health emergencies as primary determinants.

Access to Mental Healthcare for Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants: Umbrella Review of Barriers

Source: Vanden Berghe M, Bogaert S, Claes C, Sabbe M, Schoenmakers B / BMJ Open  |  Type: Umbrella Review  |  Year: 2025

Most comprehensive umbrella review of mental healthcare access barriers (2013–2023), synthesising 38 systematic reviews. Maps barriers across five domains of access. Directly complements the WHO GEHM-5 mental health evidence review and provides actionable guidance for health system planners.

Adverse Health Outcomes Among Migrant Workers and Transnational Families in the Asia–Pacific: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Source: Lin RC, Lau K, Mackey K, Matthews NR, Hargreaves S et al. / Lancet Regional Health — Western Pacific  |  Type: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis  |  Year: 2025

First large-scale systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the Asia–Pacific region (86,620 individuals, 17 countries). Finds 88.4% experienced occupational injuries or illness. Challenges the healthy migrant effect and documents cumulative health deterioration. Priority reference for occupational health and ILO-linked policy work.

Global Patterns of Communicable Disease Risk and Prevention in Migrant Populations: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Source: Ben Brik A, Al-Romaihi HE, Al-Shamali M et al. / Lancet Regional Health  |  Type: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis  |  Year: 2026

Most recent meta-analysis on communicable disease risk in migrants (89 studies, 14,250 participants). Migration status is associated with more than double the odds of communicable disease (OR=2.16); forced migration shows highest risk (OR=2.87). Identifies a critical implementation gap: downstream interventions vastly outnumber upstream community-level and policy approaches.

Migration and Health Research: Past, Present, and Future

Source: Goldenberg SM, Fischer F / BMC Public Health  |  Type: Editorial / Research Agenda  |  Year: 2023

Authoritative framing editorial from BMC’s Migration and Health collection. Maps the historical trajectory of the field, identifies persistent evidence gaps, and sets the research agenda for 2023–2030. An ideal orientation resource for researchers, clinicians, and policy-makers entering the field.

Systematic Meta-Review on Migrant Healthcare Access: Language Barriers and Translation Services

Source: Diaz-Million M, Olvera L / Lancet Regional Health  |  Type: Meta-Review  |  Year: 2025

Umbrella review of 38 systematic reviews covering 60 years of global evidence on language and cultural barriers to migrant healthcare access. Finds language barriers are the primary obstacle globally. Documents systematic underutilisation of professional interpreters and structural health system gaps in translation services. Directly relevant to clinical competency and health workforce training.

The Uncertain Future of Migrant and Refugee Health

Source: The Lancet (Editorial Board)  |  Type: Policy Editorial  |  Year: 2025

Lancet editorial sounding the alarm on WHO organisational restructuring — including the potential elimination of the Health and Migration Programme — alongside rising xenophobia and funding cuts threatening decades of progress. Essential political context for understanding the current governance landscape.

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: Centre for Humanitarian Health

Source: Johns Hopkins University (USA)  |  Type: Research Centre  |  Year: Active

Johns Hopkins centre producing research, training, and policy guidance on health in humanitarian and migration contexts. Strong output in evidence synthesis, emergency health systems, and capacity building.

University of Geneva: Migration, Health and Equity in Europe — Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies

Source: University of Geneva / Graduate Institute (Switzerland)  |  Type: Research Centre  |  Year: Active

Lancet Migration European Hub. Produces research and policy analysis on humanitarian health with specific relevance to Geneva-based international organisations. Particularly relevant for Georgian and Caucasus regional engagement given geographic proximity.

Harvard University: FXB Center for Health and Human Rights

Source: Harvard University (USA)  |  Type: Research Centre  |  Year: Active

Harvard centre at the intersection of public health and human rights, producing influential work on migrant health rights, legal frameworks, and global health policy advocacy.

Swiss TPH: Mobile Populations — Refugee and Migrant Health Research

Source: Swiss TPH / University of Basel (Switzerland)  |  Type: Research Institute  |  Year: Active

Swiss TPH produces high-output evidence on refugee and migrant health with particular expertise in infectious disease, tuberculosis, and health system performance in low-resource settings. Key European research institution.

University of Toronto: Global Migration and Health Initiative

Source: University of Toronto (Canada)  |  Type: Research Initiative  |  Year: Active

Toronto-based interdisciplinary research initiative on migration and health producing evidence relevant to high-income country immigration policy, newcomer health system design, and health equity.

University of Minnesota: Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility — Migration Health

Source: University of Minnesota (USA)  |  Type: Research Centre  |  Year: Active

US-based research centre with a strong record in refugee health capacity building in partnership with IOM. Produced the National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants and Migrants (NRC-RIM) programme in collaboration with the CDC.

NGO / Specialist

Specialist NGOs, Data Platforms, and Regional Initiatives

Organisations, platforms, and initiatives producing targeted evidence, operational data, and advocacy on migration and health across specific populations, geographies, and thematic domains.

INMP — National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty (NIHMP) / WHO Collaborating Centre

Source: Istituto Nazionale per la promozione della salute delle popolazioni Migranti e per il contrasto delle malattie della Poverta (INMP), Italy  |  Type: Research Institute / Clinical Centre  |  Year: Active

Italy’s national public institute dedicated to health, migration, and poverty under the Ministry of Health. Designated WHO Collaborating Centre on Health and Migration Evidence and Capacity Building (redesignated 2023). Provides direct health care services to migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers, and undocumented persons using a holistic transdisciplinary model. Hosted the WHO Policy-Makers Orientation Course on Refugee and Migrant Health (Rome, November 2024) in collaboration with WHO. Operates the National Epidemiologic Observatory on Immigrants and Poverty (OENIP) and the equity-oriented ReSPES intervention repository.

INTERSOS: Humanitarian Health Operations and Research

Source: INTERSOS (Italy)  |  Type: Research and Operations  |  Year: Active

Italian humanitarian organisation with significant operational research output on refugee health in conflict and crisis settings. Strong programme presence in Africa and the Middle East.

Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC): Displacement Policy and Health Access

Source: Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)  |  Type: Policy and Advocacy  |  Year: Active

NRC advocates for the rights of displaced people including health access, producing displacement policy briefs and operational guidance relevant to IDP and refugee health in protracted crises.

Save the Children Switzerland: Children on the Move — Migration and Child Protection

Source: Save the Children International  |  Type: Programme Hub  |  Year: Active

Save the Children Switzerland’s dedicated migration programme addressing the needs of over 30 million children fleeing war, crisis, and poverty. Covers child protection, health, psychosocial support, and legal assistance for migrant and displaced children in Switzerland and internationally.

Medecins du Monde: Healthcare Access for Undocumented and Marginalised Migrants

Source: Medecins du Monde (France)  |  Type: Annual Report Series  |  Year: Active

European-based humanitarian organisation documenting and advocating for healthcare rights of undocumented migrants. Publishes annual European reports on access barriers across Member States, with comparative country data.

Mixed Migration Centre (MMC): 4Mi Primary Data and Analysis

Source: Mixed Migration Centre (MMC)  |  Type: Data and Research Platform  |  Year: Active

Independent research and data platform on mixed migration. Produces 4Mi primary data, thematic reports, and policy analyses on health, vulnerability, and protection for people on the move across key migration corridors.

Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC)

Source: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC)  |  Type: Monitoring Centre  |  Year: Active

The global authoritative monitoring body for internal displacement, producing GRID annual reports and live data tools essential for understanding the health needs of internally displaced persons, distinct from but complementary to UNHCR refugee data.

Global Health 50/50: Gender Equity in Global Health including Migration

Source: Global Health 50/50  |  Type: Research Initiative  |  Year: Active

Research initiative tracking gender equity in global health institutions, including data disaggregated by sex and gender in migration and health contexts. Essential for gender-sensitive research design.

ICMPD: International Centre for Migration Policy Development

Source: International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Vienna  |  Type: Intergovernmental Organisation  |  Year: Active

Vienna-based intergovernmental organisation focused on migration policy, including health dimensions. Particularly relevant for EU migration governance and Eastern European and Caucasus regional contexts.

Quito III: What Regional Governments Must Do to Help Displaced Venezuelans

Source: Refugees International  |  Type: Policy Report  |  Year: 2023

Refugees International report reviewing Quito Process outcomes and setting out concrete recommendations for regional governments on legal protection, health access, livelihoods, and inclusion for displaced Venezuelans. Provides an independent civil society assessment of governmental commitments and implementation gaps.

The Quito Process and the Urgency to Address the Right to Nationality and Statelessness in the Americas

Source: European Network on Statelessness  |  Type: Policy Analysis  |  Year: 2023

Analysis examining the intersection of the Quito Process regional cooperation framework with statelessness and nationality rights for Venezuelan migrants and displaced persons throughout the Americas. Highlights legal protection gaps that affect health access and social determinants of health for stateless populations.

Platform R4V: Refugee and Migrant Response Plan (Venezuela Crisis)

Source: UNHCR / IOM / R4V Inter-Agency Platform  |  Type: Coordination Platform  |  Year: Active

Multi-agency coordination platform for the Venezuela refugee and migrant crisis response. Health sector working group resources and operational data covering 17 Latin American countries.

Training

Training Programmes and eLearning Resources

Continuing professional development programmes, eLearning courses, and training initiatives for health professionals, public health practitioners, and policy-makers working in refugee and migrant health contexts.

WHO Academy: Global Competency Standards Online Course (Free, Certificate of Achievement)

Source: World Health Organization (WHO Academy)  |  Type: Online Course  |  Year: 2024

Six-module, six-hour self-paced course available free through the WHO Academy. Reached 113 countries with 600+ certificates awarded. For full details see Section II.

ECDC eLearning: Migration and Health for Health Professionals (24 Languages)

Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)  |  Type: eLearning Course  |  Year: Active

Free ECDC eLearning module on migration and health for health professionals, available in 24 languages. Covers epidemiology, clinical assessment, and communication strategies for refugee and migrant populations in European settings.

ECDC eLearning: Migration and Health for Social Workers (24 Languages)

Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)  |  Type: eLearning Course  |  Year: Active

Companion ECDC module designed for social workers and allied health professionals, available in 24 European languages. Provides practical guidance on identifying and addressing health needs in migrant client populations.

ECDC eLearning: Migration and Health for Trainers and Coaches (24 Languages)

Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)  |  Type: eLearning Course  |  Year: Active

Third course in ECDC’s migration and health eLearning series, designed for trainers and coaches who provide instruction to health and social care professionals working with migrant and refugee populations. Available in 24 European languages. Covers facilitation of culturally competent training delivery.

IOM Global Migration Health Training Programmes

Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)  |  Type: Training Portfolio  |  Year: Active

IOM’s portfolio of migration health capacity building programmes for national health authorities, health workers, and policymakers globally. Covers pre-departure health assessments, disease surveillance, and health system integration.

CAMH: Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project Online Courses

Source: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Canada  |  Type: Online Course Series  |  Year: Active

CAMH’s online professional development courses for health workers on the mental health needs of immigrants and refugees. Evidence-based content covering trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and assessment tools.

WHO/IOM Health Mediator Training Programme on Global Competency Standards

Source: World Health Organization / International Organization for Migration  |  Type: In-Person Training  |  Year: 2024

Standardised training programme for health mediators and cultural mediators deployed in refugee settings, directly aligned with the WHO Global Competency Standards. Implemented in 7 countries under EU4Health 2023–2025 funding.

Postgraduate

Master’s Degrees in Migration, Refugee, and Humanitarian Health

Postgraduate programmes at leading international universities providing advanced academic and professional training in migration health, refugee studies, humanitarian action, and related public health disciplines.

Networks

Research Networks, Data Portals, Policy Forums, and Journals

Research networks, data platforms, intergovernmental policy forums, and additional scientific journals providing complementary resources on migration and health globally.

Georgia — Publisher of This Knowledge Hub

This Knowledge Hub is produced and maintained by the following Georgian institutions on a fully volunteer basis with zero external funding.

Regional Expert Group on Migration and Health (REG): Case Studies and Resources

Source: REG — Regional Expert Group on Migration and Health (Eastern Europe / Central Asia)  |  Type: Research Network  |  Year: Active

Independent expert network on migration and health covering Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Case studies section documents real-world patient stories for advocacy and training. REG participated in the WHO working group reviewing the WHO Academy Competency Standards course.

Lancet Migration European Hub: Working Groups

Source: Lancet Migration / University of Geneva  |  Type: Research Network  |  Year: Active

Lancet Migration European Hub working groups covering thematic areas including climate and migration, mental health, infectious diseases, and policy. Convenes leading European researchers and policy-makers. Based at the University of Geneva, directly relevant to Georgia and Caucasus regional engagement.

CORE: Cluster of Research Excellence in Migration and Health (AU–EU Corridor)

Source: CORE International Research Cluster  |  Type: Research Cluster  |  Year: Active

International research cluster addressing health of migrants along the African Union (AU) — European Union (EU) corridor. Focuses on context-relevant solutions and runs an annual Winter School on Migration and Health.

Migrant Health Community Research Network

Source: Migrant Health Network  |  Type: Research Network  |  Year: Active

International network connecting academics, practitioners, and community organisations working on migrant health. Promotes community-based participatory research and incorporates migrant community voices in evidence generation.

Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences (SAMW): Migration and Health Funding Programme

Source: Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences (SAMW)  |  Type: Research Funding Programme  |  Year: Active

SAMW’s dedicated funding programme supporting Swiss-based research on health equity, access to care, and health system responses for migrant populations. Key funder of Swiss TPH and Inselspital Basel migration health research portfolios.

University of Bern — ISPM: Migration and Health Research Group

Source: Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Switzerland  |  Type: Research Group  |  Year: Active

University of Bern’s Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine established a dedicated Migration and Health research group focusing on social determinants, infectious disease, and health system equity for migrant populations in Switzerland and globally.

Inselspital Bern — AG Migrationsmedizin: Clinical Migration Medicine Research

Source: Inselspital Bern University Hospital, Switzerland  |  Type: Clinical Research Group  |  Year: Active

Emergency Medicine department at Inselspital Bern University Hospital hosts the AG Migrationsmedizin, a specialised clinical research group producing evidence on emergency care access, infectious disease management, and trauma care for migrant patients in Swiss hospital settings.

IOM Migration Data Portal: Migration and Health Theme

Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)  |  Type: Data Portal  |  Year: Active

Structured thematic data portal aggregating global statistics, indicators, country profiles, and data visualisations on migration and health from WHO, IOM, UNHCR, and partner sources in one searchable interface.

IOM EMM: Health and Migration Handbook

Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)  |  Type: Academic Handbook  |  Year: Active

IOM’s Encyclopaedia of Migration and Mobility (EMM) handbook covering health and migration comprehensively for academic and practitioner audiences. Peer-reviewed chapters across all major thematic domains.

Migration Health Platform

Source: migration-health.com  |  Type: Resource Platform  |  Year: Active

Independent resource aggregation platform providing curated news, research summaries, job opportunities, and event listings for the global migration health community. Useful for tracking emerging evidence and policy developments.

Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD): Migration and Health Track

Source: Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD)  |  Type: Intergovernmental Policy Forum  |  Year: Active

The primary intergovernmental policy forum linking migration governance with sustainable development. The PPD thematic track on Migration and Health produces policy outcomes and good practice documentation relevant to WHO GAP implementation.

EuroHealthNet: Health and Migration in the WHO European Region

Source: EuroHealthNet  |  Type: European Health Network Publication  |  Year: 2023

EuroHealthNet publication co-shaping the vision for health of refugees and migrants in the WHO European Region. EuroHealthNet connects national and regional public health agencies across Europe. Addresses health equity, system responsiveness, and regional action plans.

BMJ Public Health: Topic Collection — Migration and Health

Source: BMJ Public Health  |  Type: Journal Topic Collection  |  Year: Active

BMJ Public Health’s curated collection of peer-reviewed research on migration and health, aggregating published articles on health outcomes, system responses, and policy from BMJ group journals. Open access for many articles.

Lancet Regional Health Europe 2025: Commission Article on Migration and Health

Source: Lancet Regional Health — Europe  |  Type: Peer-Reviewed Commission Article  |  Year: 2025

Landmark 2025 Lancet Regional Health Europe Commission article addressing migration and health in the European context. Examines climate–migration intersections, policy coherence, and health system adaptations. Represents the most current high-level scientific synthesis for the European region.

XIV. Key Global Policy Frameworks

The six foundational multilateral policy documents constituting the normative framework for all work in migration and health. Understanding these instruments is essential for contextualising research, clinical practice, and health system responses.