In a landmark collaboration to promote health equity for mobile and displaced populations, the World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the National Department of Health (NDOH), conducted a week-long Health System Review and an Agenda initiative focused on health, migration, and displacement in South Africa.

The initiative brought together WHO representatives from Headquarters, the Regional Office for Africa, and the country office, working side by side with counterparts from the National Department of Health, Gauteng Provincial Department of Health, health experts, civil society and academic institutions to explore how the country’s health system can better serve migrants and refugees. This groundbreaking initiative brought together in one room policy, practice and academia to identify challenges that are faced by migrants, refugees, the displaced and undocumented groups in accessing health services in country. This initiative ended with migrants and refugees agenda setting process.

The mission included enriching field visits to health facilities in Gauteng province, namely Hillbrow Community Health Centre in the City of Johannesburg District, Winnie Mandela Clinic in Ekurhuleni District, Levai Mbatha Community Health Centre in Sedibeng District, Bekkersdal West Community Health Centre in the West Rand District and FF Ribeiro Clinic in Tshwane District. These visits created space for open dialogue with health workers, facility managers, and provincial leadership surfacing both practical challenges and promising practices. The real-world insights helped ground the week’s technical discussions in lived experience.

Dr Moeketsi Modisenyane, Director for International Health & Development at the NDOH, emphasized the urgency of action, “This consultation marks a turning point in how we think about migrant health not as a standalone issue, but as part of our collective commitment to equitable healthcare access for all who live in South Africa.”

From a global perspective, Dr Santino Severini, Director for Health and Migration at WHO Headquarters, reinforced the broader vision:

“Migration and health are not isolated issues; they are interconnected challenges that demand a unified approach. Integrating health and migration policies ensures that no one is left behind. Through evidence-based reforms and inclusive research, we can create lasting, equitable change for all, including refugees and migrants.”

Reflecting on the mission’s momentum, Ms. Shenaaz El-Halabi, WHO Representative to South Africa, added, Migration and health are not isolated issues; they are interconnected challenges that demand a unified approach. Integrating health and migration policies ensures that no one is left behind. Through evidence-based reforms and inclusive research, we can create lasting, equitable change for all including refugees and migrants.”

The consultation culminated in the co-development of a national research agenda on health and migration, an important step in aligning South Africa’s priorities with global guidance while responding to country-specific realities. The agenda outlines thematic research areas including governance, social determinants, health emergencies, and access to services.

As implementation of the agenda begins, all partners reaffirmed that inclusive research must lead to inclusive policy and ultimately, inclusive care. The mission was a strong step forward in ensuring that in South Africa’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage, no one regardless of origin or status is left behind