EUPHA's 5th European Conference on Migrant and Ethnic Minority Health Granada, Spain. 10-12 April 2014

Topics

• 1. Economic crisis and its translation to health policy.

  The economic crisis that affects Europe, and particularly the southern countries, has produced important changes in social policies. The analysis of changes in health policies aimed at migrants and ethnic minorities and their effects on the welfare state in Europe is one of the objectives of this conference and a necessary step to propose strategies for improving and protecting the health of migrants and ethnic minorities.

  2. Access to health care and quality of care for migrants and ethnic minorities.

  Traditionally, access to health services in the immigrant population has been generally limited. In the current context, it is necessary to analyze how the economic crisis is influencing access to avoid the danger of exclusion of a significant portion of the population in Europe.

  3. New (and renewed old) threats to the health of migrant and ethnic minorities...

  …AIDS/HIV, TBC, other infectious disease, chronic diseases, etc.
  Changes in health policy and access to health services aimed at migrants directly affect the health status of this population. The analysis of the effects of these changes in major communicable and non-communicable diseases should help to assess the magnitude of the impact of the economic crisis.

  4. Occupational health of migrants and ethnic minorities in the context of economic restrictions.

  Unemployment and job insecurity is one of the main effects of the crisis and the immigrant population is one of the most affected. The consequences on the health status of migrants and ethnic minorities will be analyzed.

  5. Mental health of migrants and ethnic minorities.

  Analysis of changes in economic conditions, job insecurity, unemployment, poor family support and other factors affect the mental health of the population, especially in migrants and vulnerable populations in whom these factors are over-represented.

  6. Promotion of health in the context of economic crisis.

  All efforts in promoting the health of migrants and ethnic minorities should be strengthened, especially in a context of economic crisis. We want to analyze and discuss these initiatives in order to contribute to their spreading.

  7. Reproductive health.

  One of the most important components to determine the state of health and well-being of a populations is sexual and reproductive health. The current situation in Europe could influence through various forms -laws, programs, health promotion strategies, etc.- in the field of sexual and reproductive health of migrant and ethnic minorities populations, which must be analysed.

  8. Ethnic minority groups in Europe health and their rights and challenges (Roma, Laplanders, etc.).

  Ethnic minorities are among the most vulnerable populations to political changes driven by the current economic crisis. To understand and analyse the impact on these groups health and health-care in one the objectives of the Conference.

  9. Research methods and intervention approaches applied to migrants and ethnic minority’s health.

  Exploration of different methodological approaches in the field of scientific research applied to migrants and ethnic minorities will stimulate and improve research and facilitate the building of interdisciplinary networks among researchers.

  10. Response to the new economic environment from different social actors...

  …policy makers, providers, health professionals, NGOs, users, etc.
  The new economic and social policy changes are a challenge for the different social actors involved in migrant’s health and healthcare. Analysis of the role of each will facilitate better coordination and synergy in achieving the objectives relating to migrants and ethnic minorities’ health.

  11. Multidisciplinary approach to reduce impact of economic crisis in health and access to healthcare.

  Strategies and interventions to reduce the impact of economic crisis in migrants and ethnic minorities’ health and access to healthcare: a multidisciplinary approach.
  From different fields and disciplines (economists, sociologist, anthropologists, epidemiologists, public health, political sciences, civil society, etc.) strategies can be introduced to reduce the impact of new economic conditions on the health of migrants and ethnic minorities. Knowing these regional or local strategies can be motivating to create synergies and new initiatives in other regions of Europe.