Promoting the inclusion and training displaced health workers from Ukraine

Abstract In line with the WHO Global Code of Practice and in response to the conflict in Ukraine, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is actively involved in providing vocational training and education to Ukrainian migrants, including internally displaced persons and those who have fled the country. This initiative aims to facilitate their integration into host communities and the labor market. Thanks to collaboration with the EU, its member countries, and WHO within the framework of the EU4Health action ‘Improving access to healthcare for refugees and people displaced from Ukraine benefiting from temporary protection in Member States,’ IOM has been able to implement Vocational Education Trainings (VET). These trainings facilitate the transition for Ukrainian medical workers by offering focused language classes, comprehensive guidance on the administrative processes necessary for the recognition of qualifications, and valuable insights into the structure and operations of the target healthcare system. Additionally, IOM has recruited Ukrainian health professionals through competitive selections directly into its workforce as health mediators. These mediators are identified as individuals who facilitate communication and understanding between healthcare providers and migrant or refugee patients, ensuring access to culturally sensitive and appropriate healthcare services. IOM will share findings, successes, and challenges linked to its collaboration with countries, the EU, and WHO to enable the inclusion of migrants into the European workforce. This collaboration aims to promote workforce mobility and adequate planning to meet national and migrant needs.