Understanding the Burden of Disease Among Migrants in the Middle East and North Africa: Findings from a Suite of Systematic Reviews
1
City St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
2
IS Global, Barcelona, Spain
3
Mohammed VI International School of Public Health, Casablanca, Morocco
4
University of Gezira, Wad Madani, Gezira, Sudan
5
University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
6
Badr University of Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
7
National School of Public Health ENSP, Rabat, Morocco
8
Migration Health and Development Research Initiative (MHADRI), Colombo, Sri Lanka
9
Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2724
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The Middle East and North African region hosts large and varied migrant communities, yet robust evidence on their health needs remains sparse. This suite of systematic reviews compiles current data on key health conditions affecting migrants, spanning tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis B and C, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, maternal health, mental health, and vaccine preventable diseases.
METHODS:
Searches were undertaken across six major bibliographic databases, including Medline and Embase, alongside an extensive review of grey literature from governmental bodies, UN agencies, and NGOs published between 2000 and 2023. Studies reporting primary data on disease burden, health outcomes, or risk factors among migrants, including refugees and undocumented individuals, were screened and appraised. Evidence was synthesised narratively or through random effects meta analysis depending on data availability.
RESULTS:
Of 14,024 records screened, 398 studies were eligible, most centred on non nationals living in Middle Eastern countries. Evidence consistently demonstrated significant health disparities for migrants across the region. Tuberculosis incidence was more than double that of host populations (largest difference:16.8 vs 69.8/100,000), accompanied by indications of elevated drug resistance (OR1.2, 95%CI0.9-1.6) and treatment success rates below WHO thresholds. Migrants were disproportionately represented in vaccine preventable disease notifications and experienced higher COVID 19 mortality. For malaria and neglected tropical diseases, infection levels were markedly elevated, including substantial proportions of leprosy and malaria cases and notably higher schistosomiasis prevalence compared with nationals. Maternal health findings suggested increased risks of adverse outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS:
Migrants across the region face considerable health inequities, especially relating to infectious diseases and maternal outcomes. Enhanced data collection and improved surveillance, particularly in North African contexts, are urgently required. Strengthened evidence systems will be essential to support the development of equitable, targeted health services that address disparities and improve health outcomes for migrant communities across the MENA region.
The Middle East and North African region hosts large and varied migrant communities, yet robust evidence on their health needs remains sparse. This suite of systematic reviews compiles current data on key health conditions affecting migrants, spanning tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis B and C, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, maternal health, mental health, and vaccine preventable diseases.
METHODS:
Searches were undertaken across six major bibliographic databases, including Medline and Embase, alongside an extensive review of grey literature from governmental bodies, UN agencies, and NGOs published between 2000 and 2023. Studies reporting primary data on disease burden, health outcomes, or risk factors among migrants, including refugees and undocumented individuals, were screened and appraised. Evidence was synthesised narratively or through random effects meta analysis depending on data availability.
RESULTS:
Of 14,024 records screened, 398 studies were eligible, most centred on non nationals living in Middle Eastern countries. Evidence consistently demonstrated significant health disparities for migrants across the region. Tuberculosis incidence was more than double that of host populations (largest difference:16.8 vs 69.8/100,000), accompanied by indications of elevated drug resistance (OR1.2, 95%CI0.9-1.6) and treatment success rates below WHO thresholds. Migrants were disproportionately represented in vaccine preventable disease notifications and experienced higher COVID 19 mortality. For malaria and neglected tropical diseases, infection levels were markedly elevated, including substantial proportions of leprosy and malaria cases and notably higher schistosomiasis prevalence compared with nationals. Maternal health findings suggested increased risks of adverse outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS:
Migrants across the region face considerable health inequities, especially relating to infectious diseases and maternal outcomes. Enhanced data collection and improved surveillance, particularly in North African contexts, are urgently required. Strengthened evidence systems will be essential to support the development of equitable, targeted health services that address disparities and improve health outcomes for migrant communities across the MENA region.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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