Humanitarian Medicine and the Health of Migrant Persons

Caring for the suffering of refugees and asylum seekers refers to a horizon of rights to be reaffirmed, built, conquered.

Frantz Fanon, a psychiatrist and representative of the Third World movement for decolonization, highlighted in his writings the psychological impact of colonialism, highlighting the violence and dehumanization suffered by colonized peoples. His thoughts, still relevant today, can be applied to the condition of refugees: the care of their suffering is closely linked to the recognition and reaffirmation of fundamental rights that are denied to them. By referring to Fanon, it is possible to explore the intersection between humanitarian medicine and the health of migrants.

The Humanitarian Medicine and Health Cooperation course goes beyond strictly health training: it is an opportunity to fully understand the complexities of health in marginalized communities, with a particular focus on the migrant population. Contrary to what the name suggests, the course is not only aimed at doctors and health workers, but is designed for all those who work closely with the migrant community.

Beatrice Sgorbissa, an expert in humanitarian medicine and migration, highlighted in her speech how the biggest challenges are not only physical health, but often the management of the health system and access to care. Social determinants play a fundamental role: instrumental barriers such as bureaucracy, together with phenomena such as discrimination and racism, have a massive impact on migrants' well-being. Health risks are not limited to the period after arrival in the destination country. Migrants face health challenges throughout the migratory journey: before departure, during the journey and once they arrive at their destination. It has been widely documented that during the journey, access to care is limited, exposing those with chronic conditions or physical vulnerabilities to serious risks. And finally, once they arrive at their destination, expectations do not match reality: precariousness of life and work, combined with legal constraints and discrimination can gradually erode any health benefits initially perceived.

In addition to health and bureaucratic challenges, another crucial aspect affects the migrant population, especially women: gender violence . Giulia Menegatti, a professional and expert in Protection and gender violence, illustrated how, in cooperation projects, dealing with episodes of gender violence is a daily reality, especially in a migration context. Migrant women often face situations of vulnerability that increase the risk of suffering violence, and the lack of safe and legal migration routes further aggravates this problem. Giulia illustrated how gender violence can manifest itself in different phases of the migratory path: in the countries of origin, often characterized by conflicts; during the journey where women can be exposed to exploitation and sexual abuse; and, finally, in the destination country, where the risk of domestic violence and trafficking increases considerably.

The course also illustrated INTEROS's intervention in the informal areas of Borgo Mezzanone, in the province of Foggia, an area inhabited mainly by agricultural workers marked by serious conditions of vulnerability, including labor exploitation, precariousness and psychological difficulties. According to estimates provided by INTERSOS, during the summer months in the village there is a stable presence of 1500-2000 people.

As an informal settlement, Borgo Mezzanone is marked by serious infrastructural deficiencies: water supply, irregular since 2020 and lack of electricity, supplied through precarious connections. In this context, INTERSOS, offers proximity medicine services through a mobile clinic, based on a global health approach. Although many residents already have a GP outside the settlement, they frequently turn to INTERSOS, thanks to their support which includes the presence of cultural mediators to facilitate access to care and ensure complete care.

Addressing the health of migrants requires a holistic and interdisciplinary approach. Teamwork involving lawyers, mediators, social workers and doctors is essential. Every aspect of a migrant's life - including a simple document - can affect access to care: this is where a migration clinic can play a crucial role, alleviating difficulties and ensuring migrants receive the care they need for their well-being.