International Conference in Fez: Refugee and Migrant Health

More than 150 people are present at the international conference representing ministries of health, IOM, WHO and UNHCR from Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Yemen, Iraq as well as researchers, academics and civil society representatives from Canada, Spain and the United Kingdom. 

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), jointly with the Euromed University of Fes (UEMF), are organizing an international conference dedicated to the health of refugee and migrant populations on October 29 and 30, 2024.

This international meeting, which UEMF hosts on its premises, brings together key national, regional and international actors to address the health challenges faced by these populations as well as best practices to meet their health needs. “As a university engaged in societal issues, it is our duty to actively contribute to finding solutions to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all, including migrant and refugee populations, who are often among the most vulnerable,” noted Professor Chakib Nejjari, Vice-President of UEMF in charge of the Health division. 

“Ensuring access to healthcare for migrant and refugee populations is essential to strengthen equity in health,” said Ms. Maryam Bigdeli, WHO Representative in Morocco, who also recalled that “Universal health coverage is not only a goal, it is a necessity to remove barriers to access to care and promote the well-being of all. By ensuring accessible and inclusive health services, we contribute to reducing inequalities and to the sustainable development of societies.”

Among the objectives of this conference, is the presentation of good practices adopted in the MENA region to improve the health of migrants and refugees. It will also involve debating the central role of universities in developing policies and programs based on scientific data. The international conference in Fez therefore examines the progress made in the field of refugee and migrant health within the framework of these reforms and Morocco's international commitments on the matter. 

“Removing barriers to health care for refugees and migrants is a public health imperative that ensures the right to health,” recalled the UNHCR Representative in Morocco, Mr. François Reybet-Degat. “Moreover, healthy migrants and refugees can contribute effectively to the development of both their host and origin societies,” he continued. 

Recommendations aimed at improving access to care for migrants and refugees throughout their migration journeys will be identified during these two days. Laura Palatini, Head of Mission of IOM in Morocco, notes in this regard that: “digitizing the medical records of refugee and migrant patients and strengthening South-South cooperation are promising avenues for continuity of care. This conference therefore represents a major opportunity to initiate coordinated action between countries of origin, transit and destination.”

This international conference is organized within the framework of the regional project “Promoting the health and protection of vulnerable migrant populations in Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Yemen”, funded by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.