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Migrant Health Working Group

The Migrant Health Working Group (MHWG) of the International Foundation for Dermatology (IFD) brings together global specialists to discuss skin health issues facing migrants and refugees. There are currently over 100 million refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) worldwide due to conflicts or natural disasters. Skin conditions and sexual health issues are common in these groups, and the situation is often hampered by delayed access to specialised healthcare.

Mission Statement:

To enhance the skin and sexual health of migrant and displaced populations through improved access to care, education, advocacy, collaboration, research, and a focus on rights and equity.

Subgroups:

The MHWG has four subgroups, each with their unique objectives.

Scientific meeting & Advocacy

Subgroup leads: Dr Sidra Khan and Dr Muhammed Hyder Junejo

To enhance understanding of skin and sexual health issues faced by migrant and displaced populations through research and knowledge sharing.

Sexual Health and SGBV (Sexual and Gender-Based Violence)

Subgroup leads: Isotta Rossoni and Dr Konstantinos Protopapas

To address the critical intersection of sexual health and experiences of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) among migrant and displaced populations.

Mission trip & Teledermatology

Subgroup lead: Dr Juan Ortiz Alvares

To enhance access to specialised skin and sexual healthcare through mission trips and innovative teledermatology services.

Capacity Building

Subgroup leads: Professor Wendemagegn Enbiale and Dr Cristina Galvan Casas

To enhance the capabilities of healthcare providers and empower migrant populations through education and resource development.

Advisory Team

Chris Griffiths
Alexia Knapp
Apostolos Veizis
Anne Jachman

Migration is a fundamental part of the human experience, yet migrants and refugees often face exclusion from health systems. Ensuring their access to healthcare is not only a matter of human rights—it is a public health imperative. The Migrant Health Working Group champions inclusive, equitable, and effective health responses, with a particular focus on sexual health and skin conditions, to ensure no one is left behind. Dr Valeska Padovese, Chair of Migrant Health Working Group

Read about our previous activities:

Lebanese mission: Addressing Dermatological Needs and Challenges in Lebanon's Refugee and Local Communities or news article on Middle East Monitor
Summer School: 3rd Summer School on Refugee and Migrant Health - migration and refugee health
Migrant Health Summit 2022: Migrant skin health: perspectives from the Migrant Health Summit, Malta, 2022 | British Journal of Dermatology | Oxford Academic

Publications

Challenges of Managing Skin Diseases in Refugees and Migrants. Padovese V, Knapp A. 2021 Jan;39(1):101-115. Review. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.det.2020.08.010
Sexually transmitted infections’ epidemiology and knowledge, attitude and practice survey in a set of migrants attending the sexual health clinic in Malta. Padovese V, Farrugia A, Almabrok Ali Ghath S, Rossoni I. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020 Sep 23. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16949
A skin disease and needs assessment analysis of the displaced Rohingya population in the Kutupalong refugee camp, Bangladesh. Khan SS, Padovese V, Maurer TA, Barua DP, Chowdhury MIH, Islam MA, Mowla MR, Griffiths CEM. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2020 Dec;45(8):1051-1054. https://doi.org/10.1111/ced.14310

Toolkit teaching recordings

Introduction & Skin NTDs
Localised skin infections
Inflammatory skin conditions
Skin ulcers and wound management
Skin cancers and their differential diagnosis

Migrant Health Working Group

Subgroups:

Advisory Team

Read about our previous activities:

Publications

WHO Academy

Our collaborating partners: