Proyecto de Sostenibilidad del Sistema de Salud Local
Local Health System Sustainability Project
The Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region is facing a tremendous migration crisis. Women comprise nearly 50 percent of migrants in the region and have proved to be particularly vulnerable to violence and political and socioeconomic instability—factors that drive migration out of and within the region. The influence of migration on health is well recognized. Women, in particular, are potentially subjected to health risks at all stages of the migration experience and continue to face significant barriers in accessing quality health care.
LHSS is working with the governments of the Dominican Republic, a destination country for migrants, and Honduras, an origin country for migrants, to pilot measures which strengthen social health protection programs. These programs explicitly consider the health needs and preferences of women in high-migration contexts. To do this, we will:
Through this work, LHSS aims to increase access to essential health services through social health protection platforms for women migrants and women at risk of migration. The findings of the research and experience of these countries are being shared widely, to inform the many other countries in the region facing similar challenges to meeting health needs of women in high-migration contexts.
Articles and Blogs
Colombia has emerged as a leader in creating policies to integrate migrants into the economy and society, guaranteeing their right to health and mobilizing domestic resources to meet the increased demand for health services.
For countries facing a large influx of migrants, the best way to ensure that these new members of society have sustained access to essential health services is to have a long-term strategy – one that builds on existing health platforms.
In the Dominican Republic, the dual impact of large numbers of migrants and a health system overwhelmed by COVID-19 has meant that fewer health services are available for migrant women. LHSS is working to improve health protection for the country’s migrant women, most of whom come from Haiti.
Publications and Other Resources
