507 PS 4: Inclusion, cross-border actions, and preparedness in health emergencies

Abstract PS 4: Emergency Preparedness - Learning from the experiences of migrants during public health emergencies like COVID-19 and improving preparedness for future crises - Valeriia Rachynska and Poonam Dhavan, Auditorium A & B (Rectory), September 4, 2025, 10:30 - 11:30 The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep inequalities in access to health services and underscored the urgent need to include migrants and mobile populations in health emergency preparedness and response – to address specific needs and vulnerabilities, as well as to engage with them in health service design and delivery. As we have transitioned from crisis, preparedness has moved higher on the global health agenda as we can see also through the recent adoption of the Pandemic Agreement by countries. Effective health security and preparedness must include strategies for social inclusion, health system integration, and equitable access to prevention, treatment and referral services for all, regardless of migration status. This intervention will draw on key lessons from IOM’s expertise and operational experience working closely with governments and other stakeholders during public health emergencies. It will explore how migrant-sensitive approaches to risk communication, disease surveillance, health services delivery, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), medical and public health innovations and partnerships can contribute to stronger public health outcomes. Framed within IOM’s Strategic Approach to Migration Health and commitments to relevant global health frameworks, this session will provide an overview of the plenary topic, from the perspective of IOM, with emphasis on cross-border actions, migrant inclusion and multisectoral approaches in emergency preparedness.