Module 9: Migrant and Refugee Health
Overview
In this upcoming seminar titled "Migrant and Refugee Health," we will explore the challenges and opportunities for improving the health of these vulnerable populations. By the year 2030, the FDI Vision is to integrate essential oral health services into healthcare in every country, making appropriate quality oral healthcare accessible and affordable for all. However, the reality for refugees and migrants is often far from this vision, as they face various obstacles in accessing healthcare, including language and cultural barriers, lack of documentation, and limited financial resources.
One of the challenging areas in migrant and refugee health is oral health, as it is often neglected and not prioritized in healthcare policies and services. According to FDI's Refugees Oral Health Project, many refugees do not have access to dental services when they first arrive in a new country, and those who do have limited options, often only emergency care. This lack of access to preventive and routine care leads to higher rates of dental caries, tooth loss, and other oral diseases among refugees.
In this seminar, we will discuss the current state of migrant and refugee health, the challenges they face in accessing healthcare, and the opportunities for improving their oral health. We will also explore the role of different stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and dental associations, in providing better health services and promoting oral health for refugees and migrants.