1.B. Skills building seminar: How to include migrant and refugee populations health monitoring and surveillance in Europe

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The level of diversity in most European societies is increasing, especially due to ongoing migration to and within Europe. Migrants are very heterogeneous in terms of reasons for migration, region of origin and chances in the countries of destination and thus, differ greatly in regards to health resources and risks. It is crucial to gain valid data on migrant health status to inform policy makers in order to plan, implement and adjust health interventions and services. This highlights the importance of including migrant populations into health monitoring and surveillance. The objective of this workshop is 1) to demonstrate the importance of including migrants into health surveys, 2) to describe barriers that might hinder migrants from participating, 3) to critically appraise the strategies being used to include migrant populations and 4) to give clear recommendations on how to assure the responsiveness of migrant populations in health monitoring and surveillance. Three countries will present how they reach migrants with national health surveys and focus on selected strategies that increase accessibility of migrant groups. These approaches may include innovative sampling strategies, ways to bridge language gaps and enhancing participation of migrant groups in developing and conducting surveys. We will focus on different migrant groups, including refugees as a particularly vulnerable population. Following the presentations we will have enough time to discuss these strategies in terms of transferability and cost in order to synthesize ideas, learn from each other and discuss pitfalls and lessons learned. Main messages Europe is diversifying, and it is thus crucial to capture migrants’ health in health monitoring and surveillance. The national public health institutes are in charge of ensuring sufficient representation of migrant populations in health surveys and to tackle potential barriers. Cross-country collaboration allows sharing successful strategies. Key messages In a diversifying Europe, it is crucial to include migrant populations into health monitoring and surveillance. Approaches include include innovative sampling strategies, ways to bridge language gaps and enhancing participation of migrant groups in developing and conducting surveys.