A desk review on institutional and non-institutional organizations active in the field of migrant's health in the WHO European Region

Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2015;51(4):313-20. doi: 10.4415/ANN_15_04_11.

Abstract

Background: Migrants have problematic access to health-care; non-institutional organizations (NGOs), as well as institutional bodies may play a role in facilitating their access to mainstream health care.

Aim: Our research reviews actions that address the need of migrants in terms of health care in order to understand how, where, and who participates in this effort.

Method: Data were from desk or web research, declaration from organisations and their websites, information from WHO Country Offices.

Results: 154 NGOs were identified in the WHO European Region. 58% were direct health care providers while the remaining provided either mediation services or were part of a network organization. 173 national institutes (GOVs) were found; less than the 20% were directly or indirectly involved in health care, whereas the majority were involved in research, policy development, international relations and human rights.

Conclusion and recommendation: Some gaps, a certain fragmentation and lack of coordination were identified. WHO can play an overarching role in the exchange of expertise and harmonisation of the efforts in this field.

MeSH terms

  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Europe
  • Government Agencies
  • Health Policy
  • Health Services Accessibility / statistics & numerical data*
  • Human Rights
  • Humans
  • Organizations / statistics & numerical data*
  • Transients and Migrants*
  • World Health Organization / organization & administration*