disaster
World: Countries unite at WHA79 to advance refugee and migrant health through stronger national systems
By World Health Organization at ReliefWeb
· June 4, 2026
· 4 min read
. Hosted by the Government of Spain, co-sponsored by the Governments of Brazil, Colombia, Egypt and Nepal, and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the event focused on translating policy commitments into practical approaches to improving access to health services. “Ensuring equity for
Key takeaway “Ensuring equity for migrants and refugees means recognizing their right to health,” said Javier Padilla, Secretary of State for Health, Spain.
Why this matters
The commitment to advance refugee and migrant health through stronger national systems, as demonstrated at WHA79, has significant implications for disaster relief efforts globally. As displaced and migrant populations contribute to health systems, economies, and communities, their inclusion and participation are crucial to achieving universal health coverage and strengthening health system resilience. The examples of Colombia, Egypt, and Nepal, which have made strides in integrating refugee and migrant health into their national frameworks, highlight the importance of operationalizing inclusive policies and providing equitable access to services. The World Health Organization's emphasis on stronger data and evidence, sustained partnerships, and a shared commitment to making health systems work for everyone, everywhere, underscores the need for a coordinated and collaborative approach to addressing the health needs of refugees and migrants. As humanitarian crises continue to arise, the ability of national health systems to adapt and respond to the needs of displaced and migrant populations will be critical to mitigating the impact of disasters and promoting overall health and well-being.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ReliefWeb . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: disaster ·
Published: June 4, 2026 ·
Source: ReliefWeb ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? . Hosted by the Government of Spain, co-sponsored by the Governments of Brazil, Colombia, Egypt and Nepal, and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the event focused on translating policy commitments into practical approaches to improving access to health services. “Ensuring equity for
When was this published? This article was first published on June 4, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by World Health Organization at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more disaster coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .