Migration is a significant factor influencing health outcomes in the Mekong region, where millions of individuals move across borders for work, often in the agriculture, construction, and manufacturing sectors. While migration can provide economic opportunities, it also presents unique health challenges, including for infectious diseases like malaria and tuberculosis
In the Greater Mekong region there are 3 types of migrants: those who frequently move within and across country; those moving for longer term (at least 6 months) in search of better income; and refugees (formal and informal). In the Mekong, migrants are at an increased risk for malaria and other health issues due to several factors, including limited access to healthcare, lack of awareness about malaria and other diseases’ prevention and treatment, and exposure to malaria-endemic/other risk areas or occupations. Many migrants live in remote or marginalized communities with insufficient health infrastructure, making it difficult for them to receive timely diagnosis and treatment. Additionally language barriers and fear of discrimination can prevent migrants from seeking the care they need.
Addressing infectious disease among migrant populations is crucial for the region's health outcomes. By implementing targeted interventions for malaria and other infectious diseases, such as providing mobile health services, enhancing disease surveillance and response, and promoting community-led monitoring, improvements can be made in access to prevention and treatment. Collaborative efforts among governments, health organizations, and community groups, with a health-rights based and GEDSI approach are essential to ensure that migrants receive the necessary support to protect their health and mitigate the risk of malaria and other infectious disease transmission, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of malaria elimination in the Mekong region.
Our focus and work
- Consultation with migrant workers and their networks
- Co-developing lived experience case studies with them to support advocacy for better access and availability of services
- Help local network and NGOs in the design, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of health program targeted to various popualitons of migrants