Health Vulnerabilities among Migrant/Mobile Populations in Urban Settings of East and Southern Africa: A Regional Synthesis of Evidence from Literature

  • Namuunda Mutombo African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
  • Blessing Mberu African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
  • Donatien Beguy African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
  • Kanyiva Muindi African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
  • Mike Mutua African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
  • Cheikh Faye African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
  • Nkechi Obisie-Nmehielle International Organization on Migration, Pretoria
  • Erick Ventura International Organization on Migration, Pretoria
Keywords: Migrant/Mobile populations, health vulnerabilities, health services, ESA region, sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Using the principles of reputational case selection sampling procedure and thematic search of electronic databases and websites, we implemented a regional synthesis of evidence on the health vulnerabilities of migrant and mobile populations in urban areas of East and Southern Africa. The review identified key health challenges relating to various diseases, including the increasing challenge of non-communicable diseases, such diabetes among migrants by 2030. While figures are difficult to obtain, our review suggested high levels of urban migrants, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and asylum seekers in urban areas of the region, which for undocumented migrants poses particular logistics challenges in terms of administering targeted interventions, more so in contexts where poor socio-economic situations of countries do not provide them with opportunities to become self-reliant and less dependent on humanitarian assistance. This calls for policies, program interventions and research investments targeting vulnerable migrant and mobile groups in the region

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Author Biographies

Namuunda Mutombo, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
Population Dynamics and Reproductive Health15
Blessing Mberu, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
Population Dynamics and Reproductive Health
Donatien Beguy, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
Population Dynamics and Reproductive Health
Kanyiva Muindi, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
Population Dynamics and Reproductive Health
Mike Mutua, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
Population Dynamics and Reproductive Health
Cheikh Faye, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
Population Dynamics and Reproductive Health
Published
2016-10-18
Section
Articles