Seventeenth Global Studies Conference

Abstract

Forced migrants, fleeing conflict, persecution and climate change, on their long journeys inevitably get sick. Some of these diseases are chronic, others are communicable. While refugee health has gotten some attention in recent years, most of that research has focused on communities that have reached high-income countries or have settled in camps or settlements. Little is known, however, about the health challenges faced by migrants during their journey (e.g. those who travel from South Asia or Afghanistan via Turkey and Balkans to EU countries like Italy). In this paper, using case studies from South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Europe, I discuss how migrants access healthcare and the interconnected role of trust, social network and local regulatory structures. I also talk about how technology influences, both positively and negatively, on healthcare access and finally conclude with some specific recommendations for improving healthcare access and quality of care among vulnerable migrant communities.