Bridging research, policy and practice to improve the health of migrants

Health challenges linked to migration pose significant public health issues, potentially affecting the health and well-being of migrants and host communities alike. Migrants often find themselves among the most vulnerable members of society, confronting issues like xenophobia, discrimination, substandard living conditions, inadequate housing and employment, and limited access to essential health services. Effectively ensuring the health and well-being of people on the move requires a thorough understanding of migration drivers, contextual factors, normative and legal frameworks, as well as the primary hurdles migrants face in obtaining healthcare. This understanding, which is vital for implementing responses that genuinely cater to their needs, is the primary goal of this course.

Migration has always been part of our world. Some migrate by choice, seeking educational opportunities or economic mobility, but many are forced to flee their homes because of conflict, violence or environmental disaster. In recent years, migration has increased and been politicized in ways that we haven’t seen before. Moving forward, migration will become an even greater challenge. Evidence indicates that adopting an inclusive public health approach is not only cost-effective but also yields positive health outcomes.

The course is open to anyone with an interest in migration, from a research, policy, and/or practice perspective. The use of case studies, interactive lectures, and group exercises will create a strong multidisciplinary exchange between participants and facilitators.

By the end of the course, participants will:

• Understand the fundamental concepts of health and migration, underscoring their importance to the global health agenda;
• Understand the role of migration as a determinant of health and its impact on health systems;
• Recognize evidence-informed and best-practice interventions to address the health of migrants;
• Understand the principles of bridging research, policy and practice for health and migration.

• Basic knowledge and experience in public health;
• Interest in health and migration, from a research, policy or practice level.

• Interactive lectures on essential topics of health and migration;
• Case studies and examples to illustrate the disparities regarding the health status of migrants;
• Exercises, group work and plenary discussions.

To get the Certificate of completion and the 1 ECTS participants MUST:

• Attend at least 80%of the course;
• Attend the plenary(s) offered during the days of the course;
• Participate in the lectures of the course;
• Actively participate in the group work.

At least one facilitator will be on-site in Lugano, and some may join online. Participants are welcomed to join either on-site in Lugano, or online. In case of a change of regional policies (e.g., Covid) or personal reasons, the course could change to online. For those on-site, the course will take place at Università della Svizzera italiana (USI).