With dynamic movement of people within and between Asia and Europe, migration health is an issue that interests policymakers in the both regions. Better understanding of health status of migrants, as well as their use and perception of medical services in receiving countries, can make a significant contribution to the policy making in this area.
The ASEF Public Health Network thus embarked on a research project ‘Health Dimension of Asian Migration to Europe’. This research was conducted jointly by the Yuchengco Center (The Philippines) and Fondazione ISMU (Italy), and looked closely into the health status of Chinese and Filipino migrants in Italy and Spain. Through a mixed methodology combining desk reviews, expert interviews, and group discussions with key informants, the research explored an array of issues: illness patterns of migrants; health seeking behaviours of migrants; migrants’ perception of national health system; and healthcare providers’ perceptions on migrants. Research findings highlight the importance of medical pluralism and cultural competency, and the researchers also put forward some concrete recommendations policy makers may take up in their respective country.