Health experts, policymakers, and migration specialists from across Africa convened in Kampala this week for a landmark technical workshop aimed at crafting a common approach to migration and health governance in the continent. Organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other key stakeholders, the two-day (19-20 December) event emphasized the urgent need for a cohesive strategy to address the health challenges faced by migrants while strengthening public health systems in origin, transit, and destination countries.

Speaking at the opening session, Dr. Sabelo Mbokazi, Head of Labour, Employment, and Migration at the AUC, highlighted the critical intersection of health and migration. “Health is the foundation of safe, , and dignified migration. Guided by the global golden principle of Universal Health Coverage, we are walking a step toward developing systems that promote not only equitable access to health but also well-being of migrants and through supporting inclusive public health systems,” he said.

The engagement underscored the vulnerability of, once healthy migrants, to health risks due to arduous journeys, limited access to healthcare and social services, and good quality evidence for informed policymaking and development of practice. Participants stressed that improved governance, resource mobilization, and a shift toward positive narratives surrounding migration and health are critical.

“Migration and health are inseparable. Addressing the health challenges of migrants is not merely a moral obligation but a strategic and development investment for health system resilience in the continent,” stated Bekalu Tesfa, IOM Migration Health Policy Officer. He added that the Global Compact for Migration Objective 15, which articulates the realization of safe access to essential services for all migrants, must remain central to ensure a common approach to Africa’s health governance.

Central to the discussions was consolidating existing initiatives, such as exploring the Africa CDC’s cross-border health programs and the AUC-IOM Joint Migration Program. Discussions also included stock taking of existing frameworks upon which Migration and Health work stream is predicated.

Academics also lent their voices to the discussions. Dr. Soorej Jose Puthoopparambil,, a migration health expert from the Uppsala University, highlighted the need for better data and research that is relevant for policy and practice. “We cannot make informed decisions without reliable, and high quality, and Africa-specific data on migration and health. Knowledge is power, and it will enable us to craft policies that are effective to create inclusive public health systems and just societies” he remarked.

Experts also underscored that migration presents unique health challenges with migrants often facing barriers to accessing healthcare during transit and in their destination countries, making them particularly vulnerable, victims as they are considered as vectors of health risks. While the continental and international frameworks such as the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA), and the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) respectively acknowledge the importance of migrant health, it is often overlooked in migration governance. It is not uncommon that health is not present in migration policies and migration being absent in health policies.

This engagement concluded with progressive recommendation to develop AU Migration and Health Strategy and Guidelines as well as a strong emphasis on advancing equity, gender sensitivity, and inclusivity in promoting health of migrants and host communities. Participants highlighted the need for sustained collaboration to transform migration-related health challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience across the continent.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Innocent Vuga | Communication & Knowledge Management Officer – JLMP | Labour, Employment and Migration Division, African Union Commission | Email: VugaI@africa-union.org

Janet Faith Adhiambo Ochieng | Communication Officer- Agenda 2063 | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: Ochiengj@Africa-union.org

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