A desk review on institutional and non-institutional organizations active in the field of migrant's health in the WHO European Region

Background. Migrants have problematic access to health-care; non-institutional organizations (NGOs), as well as institutional bodies may play a role in facilitating their access to mainstream health care. Aim. Our research reviews actions that address the need of migrants in terms of health care in order to understand how, where, and who participates in this effort. Method. Data were from desk or web research, declaration from organisations and their websites, information from WHO Country Offices. Results. 154 NGOs were identified in the WHO European Region. 58% were direct health care providers while the remaining provided either mediation services or were part of a network organization. 173 national institutes (GOVs) were found; less than the 20% were directly or indirectly involved in health care, whereas the majority were involved in research, policy development, international relations and human rights. Conclusion and recommendation. Some gaps, a certain fragmentation and lack of coordination were identified. WHO can play an overarching role in the exchange of expertise and harmonisation of the efforts in this field.