At its Geneva headquarters, the World Health Organization used International Migrants Day (18 December) to urge governments to place migrant and refugee health at the centre of national mobility strategies. WHO’s update, titled “Advancing Health Equity for People on the Move”, stresses that 304 million international migrants remain disproportionately exposed to infectious disease, mental-health stressors and financial barriers to care.
The statement highlights new tools rolled out in 2025: a global dashboard showcasing 167 migrant-inclusive health projects, the sixth Global School on Refugee and Migrant Health (held in Geneva on 9-11 December) and free WHO-Academy courses that train clinicians in culturally sensitive care.
![WHO marks International Migrants Day in Geneva with call for health-equity action]()
While the guidance is global, Switzerland stands to benefit directly. The country’s cantonal health authorities currently grapple with record numbers of temporary protection holders from Ukraine (status S) and increased arrivals from the Horn of Africa. WHO recommends that Switzerland integrate electronic health records across cantons and expand interpreter services so that mobile workers and asylum seekers can access primary care without delay.
For corporate mobility managers, the message is clear: employee-relocation policies must include robust health-insurance coverage, mental-well-being resources and information on local vaccination requirements. Failure to do so can delay assignments and expose firms to duty-of-care liability.
The statement highlights new tools rolled out in 2025: a global dashboard showcasing 167 migrant-inclusive health projects, the sixth Global School on Refugee and Migrant Health (held in Geneva on 9-11 December) and free WHO-Academy courses that train clinicians in culturally sensitive care.
While the guidance is global, Switzerland stands to benefit directly. The country’s cantonal health authorities currently grapple with record numbers of temporary protection holders from Ukraine (status S) and increased arrivals from the Horn of Africa. WHO recommends that Switzerland integrate electronic health records across cantons and expand interpreter services so that mobile workers and asylum seekers can access primary care without delay.
For corporate mobility managers, the message is clear: employee-relocation policies must include robust health-insurance coverage, mental-well-being resources and information on local vaccination requirements. Failure to do so can delay assignments and expose firms to duty-of-care liability.
Source: World Health Organization
