A key target of SDG 3 is target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicine and vaccines for all. But how can we ensure migrants have access to this? At a time in their lives when they are most vulnerable and, potentially, most in need of these services, how can we ensure that they can access it easily and be treated justly and with care?
The International Journal for Equity in Health and the Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition aim to answer some of these questions and provide solutions in their groundbreaking collection “Migration and its Effects on Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition”. Sadly, forced and voluntary migration have become a global phenomenon with profound implications for mothers’ and children’s health, nutrition and overall well-being. However, no one should experience further suffering after they have had to leave their homes, due to conflict, natural disasters or any other reason, which meant they have had to migrate.
Whilst we may all be aware of the issues that migrants face, particular mothers and children, this collection strives to bridge the gaps in the evidence base and promote research incorporating diverse disciplinary perspectives and methodological synergies. By better understanding complex social, political, economical and cultural determinants shaping the health of migrant women and children, we can better serve those who need the help most. As SDG 3 stresses we need to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all people at all ages. There should be no exceptions.
Edited by Dr Mónica M. Ancira Moreno from Mexico and Dr Ana Lorena Ruano the collection aims to focus on health disparities in migrant populations, nutritional challenges and interventions, impact of migrant policies, psychosocial well-being, community health and resilience and health systems and access to care, but submissions aren’t limited to these. In support of SDG 3 and its goal to help people and make a difference in peoples’ lives, research that engages with the affected communities, apply innovative methodological frameworks and inform policy and practice are encouraged. Migrants aren’t concepts, they are real people with real needs, who deserve the same respect and access to essential health services as everyone.
This is an incredibly important topic, and many people are dedicating their time and resources to doing impactful work that could transform the lives of migrants. Therefore, please do check out this collection.