Health care for Latin American migrants
The 'Coordinating resources to assess and improve health status of migrants from Latin America' (COHEMI)(opens in new window) project was established to coordinate referral centres dealing with specific Latin American (LA) diseases. The work enhanced understanding of the migration cycle in relation to European and LA health systems. In-depth insights into priority health-related aspects of LA migration thus support improved development and transfer of information relevant to EU policies on migrant health. Comprised of 10 partners (6 from 4 EU Member States and 4 from 3 LA countries), the COHEMI consortium was funded under the Health theme of the Seventh Framework Programme's (FP7) Cooperation Work Programme. Over a three-year period, it collected data and information through reviews, questionnaires and interviews as well as national and international meetings, congresses, workshops and symposiums. Project activities produced a comprehensive picture of LA migrants' health and related needs. The focus was on health systems, legislation and policies in various European countries. The knowledge also pinpointed gaps in prevention, screening and diagnosis, care of infectious and non-infectious diseases, social and cultural factors influencing health seeking, health care and health system access. Final policy briefs and recommendations shed light on the current situation, the issues warranting attention, and the priorities to be addressed to enhance undertakings and measures by both the EU and LA. The latter is relevant to both general health issues and specific diseases. COHEMI activities and outcomes have been disseminated through its website, press releases, newsletters and scientific publications, and at national and international events. Ensuring the health of migrants offers social and economic benefits to EU states. COHEMI work contributed to the evidence needed for improved considerations of migrant health policies. This will ultimately reduce inequalities in access to health care services and improve outcomes.
