Mexico, Chile Partner to Enhance Migration and Health Training

Mexico’s National Institute of Public Health (INSP) and Chile's Ministry of Health hosted a seminar titled "Exchange of Experiences on Human Resources Training in Migration and Health." The event, held at INSP's headquarters in Mexico City, aimed to design and implement strategies to develop the competencies of individuals addressing public health issues arising from migration.

The initiative includes creating a Binational Training Plan in Migration and Health, featuring an advanced in-person course in Chile complemented by a 160-hour diploma course with virtual and semi-in-person sessions, according to Nenetzen Saavedra Lara, Deputy Director of Development and Academic Extension, INSP.

This program will facilitate academic exchanges among researchers, decision-makers, and public health professionals from both nations, alongside seminars with experts from INSP and both health ministries, as reported by INSP.

This plan will follow a needs assessment conducted through visits to primary health units, sanitary jurisdictions, shelters, and foundations serving migrants in Tijuana, Tapachula, and Mexico City. The project will also evaluate the certification of health professionals, institutions, and organizations involved in migrant care to ensure adequate training and preparation.

A dedicated website will be created to disseminate the project's results and make recent information accessible to other organizations, aiming to broaden the reach and impact of the knowledge gained beyond the project's participants.

The project is structured around four key components including a binational needs assessment, development of the training plan, implementation of a pilot program with key stakeholders from both countries, and dissemination of the plan’s results and impact. The training activities are set to begin in 2025, marking a significant advance in the collaboration between Mexico and Chile in addressing migrant health challenges.

Ethical human rights considerations are crucial in migration and health research, says  Eduardo Lazcano, Director General, INSP. He highlights migration as a crucial determinant of health due to its impact on the health-disease process, influenced by factors such as deficient environments, migration status, cultural perspectives, language barriers, exposure to violence, and environmental risks, including infectious agents.

Individual factors such as lifestyle, age, hereditary components, reproductive and behavioral aspects, disability, pregnancy, and sexual orientation also affect migrant health, explains Lazcano.