Utilization of Health Services

Cabieses B.; Mezones-Holguin E.; Arroyave I. · Handbook of Health and Migration in Latin America and the Caribbean (2025) · DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-84315-0_8

Resumen

This chapter delves into the intersection of migration and health, analyzing both progress and challenges in addressing the health needs of migrants globally, with a specific focus on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). It highlights the significant strides made in policy development, such as the Mesoamerican Declaration on Health and Migration, which aim to integrate migrants into national health systems. However, despite these advancements, structural inequalities in healthcare access persist due to inconsistent policy implementation, fragmented healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic barriers including poverty, overcrowding, stigma, and discrimination. There is a real need to address intercultural competencies, human rights in health care, and language barriers to improve the acceptability and effectiveness of health services for migrant populations. Implications for public health include (1) the urgent need for cohesive policy implementation, (2) the development of culturally competent care models to bridge existing gaps, and (3) a human rights-based approach to ensure equitable healthcare access for all, regardless of immigration status. Future research must tackle challenges such as data limitations, methodological issues, and the evaluation of policy effectiveness to enhance understanding and guide improvements in migrant health outcomes. This comprehensive approach is essential for achieving better health equity for migrant populations.

Instituciones: Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola