COHEMI

Coordinating resources to assess and improve health status of migrants from Latin America

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'European health systems are committed to meeting the challenge of understanding the needs of migrant populations and adapting their services to meet these needs. The difficulties inextricably linked to this challenge are caused by the complexity of migration patterns and the differences between migrant population across EU countries. At present, the limited available data show that attempts to incorporate migrants’ health needs, in particular those of migrants from non-EU countries, into EU health systems have remained scattered and uncoordinated. COHEMI’s general objective is to coordinate referral centres dealing with specific Latin American (LA) diseases in order to provide a clear understanding of the full migration cycle in relation with the health systems in Europe and Latin America and to provide a in-depth insight into priority health-related aspects of LA migration in order to facilitate the development of and transfer of evidence and information relevant to migrant health policies.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Complex migration patterns and differences between migrant populations present challenges for meeting the health care needs of these groups. Insufficient information regarding health issues and determinants of health service utilisation is a major obstacle to providing good-quality care.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The 'Coordinating resources to assess and improve health status of migrants from Latin America' (http://www.cohemi-project.eu/ (COHEMI)) 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.