Health of migrants and other vulnerable populations across Asian countries: Build Forward Better beyond the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

AbstractGlobal migration has been increasing since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has clearly shown a lack of preparedness for the next public health emergency when it comes to vulnerable populations including migrants. To include the issues of migration and health in the current global health agenda, it is important to establish/strengthen a network for collaboration among various stakeholders from both the migrant-sending and host countries of migrants especially in the Asian-Pacific region. As the initial step for networking in Asia, in March 2023, a hybrid style international symposium was held in Japan and agreed on a goal and five pillars: surveillance and monitoring, risk communications, community engagement, access to health and social protection services, and supportive environments. Considering the transition of context from the COVID-19 crisis to ‘Build Forward Better’, through the Asian network, we will envisage the better world, where vulnerable populations including migrants will not be left behind from health security.