The large numbers of migrants arriving from North Africa and the Middle East to Mediterranean countries pose
new challenges to the recipient health systems, which must adapt and respond to the needs of both migrants and
residents. This requires an efficient policy dialogue between the main stakeholders to share experiences and identify
best practices. The WHO Regional Office for Europe provides advice and technical assistance through the Migration
and Health Programme. This was established in 2012 as the Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe project in
response to the 2008 World Health Assembly resolution WHA61.17, the 2010 Global Consultation on Migrant Health
and Health 2020. A joint assessment mission in Spain in 2014 involved all relevant stakeholders with the aim of
strengthening the country’s capacity to address public health implications of large immigration flows. The WHO toolkit
was used during interviews and field visits. This report summarizes the results under the six functions of the WHO
health system framework.
