Refugees and migrants have specific health needs due to their underlying health, nutrition, and social situations, and their potential exposure to hazards, discrimination, and marginalization during their journey or on arrival in new places. In responding to the diverse health needs of refugees and migrants, as well as of the communities that host them, it is essential to support their physical, social, and mental well-being. To implement this vision building a workforce trained in refugee and migrant health.

In 2019, the World Health Assembly adopted WHO Global Action Plan on promoting the health of refugees and migrants 2019-2030, which highlights the key role of the health workforce. The Third Global Consultation on the Health of Refugees and Migrants co-organized by WHO, IOM, UNHCR, and the Kingdom of Morocco in June 2023 also emphasized the need for governments and other stakeholders to build a workforce trained in refugee and migrant health, including by reviewing and broadening the curriculum for healthcare workers.    

The global landscape of migration, especially in the Asia Pacific region, is undergoing significant shifts. Given these developments, the health and welfare of refugees and migrants is now more important than ever. Recognizing the challenges and intricacies of this situation, the World Health Organization (WHO) took an important step in 2021 by introducing the Refugee and migrant health: Global Competency Standards for health workers (Competency Standards).

These Competency Standards represent a holistic transformation in how health care is approached for refugees and migrants. They aim to shift towards ensuring refugees and migrants aren't just provided health care but are ensured quality, tailor-made, people-centric health solutions. These standards, complemented by the Knowledge Guide and Curriculum Guide, light the path for educators, healthcare institutions, and professionals. They encapsulate the essence of providing care that's not only competent but brimming with empathy and understanding.

In tandem with the WHO Global Competency Framework for Universal Health Coverage, these standards reflect an egalitarian vision - one where the health care provided to refugees and migrants isn't secondary but on par with what host communities receive.

The 2024 Regional Meeting of the World Health Summit serves as a beacon, drawing attention to the evolving health challenges related to refugees and migrants. Organized by the WHO Health and Migration Department  and the WHO Health Workforce Department (TBC), WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, this session is a clarion call. This session brings together experts in the field to magnify the importance of equipping healthcare professionals with the tools, knowledge, and empathy required to serve this unique demographic.