In the face of increasing migration, Europe faces significant health challenges that require a coordinated approach to public health management at national and international levels. A thorough understanding of how unvaccinated migrants affect public health and what actions can be taken to reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases is becoming essential.
Migrants and public health - a risk analysis
Statistics show that a significant percentage of migrants in Europe are not fully vaccinated, which poses a real health risk. The lack of adequate immune protection in migrants can lead to the spread of diseases such as tuberculosis, measles and hepatitis, as we have seen in the past during various migration crises. In response to this threat, many countries have implemented special vaccination programmes for new arrivals to prevent potential epidemics.
International cooperation in response to epidemics
International organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and United Nations (UN) agencies, including, for example, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), are major forces in the global management of migration-related health risks. Their collaboration enables not only crisis response, but also the planning and implementation of long-term health strategies. Past examples, such as the global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic or the ebola epidemic, demonstrate the importance of coordinated international action.
The need to adapt health systems to new challenges requires not only resources, but also innovation in the approach to public health. One can talk about the use of big data and predictive analytics or the integration of information systems between countries. These strategies not only enhance health security, but also foster a better understanding and integration of migrant communities into the social and health structures of host countries.
A detailed discussion of these issues will be on the agenda of the forthcoming Patient Organisations Forum, scheduled for 10-11 February 2025 in Warsaw.