Health Ministers Of Eleven South East Asian Countries Have Raised Their Voices On Migrant Health Issues

The eleven Health Ministers of the World Health Organization's South East Asia Region has yesterday(08) called for focused attention to address the health needs of Migrant Population as it has been revealed that every one in seven people globally is a Migrant ,Refugee or an Internally Dispalced Person and countries across the South East Asia Region host to large Migrant Populations.

According to the Director Of WHO's South East Asia Region Dr.Poonam Khetrapal Singh as Health Leaders we must tackle the health problems that affect Migrant Poupaltions."We need to construct better health information systems to collect  data on the health issues of Migrants.Institute Policy and Legal Frameworks that facilitate greater health care access,and create inclusive health systems sensitive to the needs of  Migrants" Dr.Singh has stated.

As Thailand,India,Bangaldesh and Indonesia in the Sout East Asia Region named among the top ten countries witnessing large movements of people in Asia Health and Migration are key concerns of member countries across the region.Migration poses greater risk and vulnerbility to infectious diseases ,mental health disorders,maternal and neonatal mortality,substance use,alcoholism,malnutrition,violence and non communicable diseases .As Migration continues to accelerate at unprecedented levels ,we are presented with an opportunity to come together as a region to ensure that Migrants are able to access adequate helath coverage she has stressed.

At the WHO Regional Committee meeting here, Member countries shared experiences in addressing this growing regional issue, including the potential of infectious disease and antimicrobial resistance spread Dr.Singh has further stated.

The ongoing Health Ministers Summit is due to be concluded today(09) and the press briefing will be held at Galle Face Court-02 in Colombo at 12 noon today.