Global research prioritization and action plan on health, migration and displacement in the context of climate change: strengthening research and translating research priorities into policy and practice

Overview

This report presents the findings of the Global Research Prioritization Exercise (GRPE) on health, migration and displacement in the context of climate change, the first thematic prioritization initiative developed under the WHO Global research agenda on health, migration and displacement. Recognizing climate change as an increasingly important driver of migration and displacement and a determinant of health, the report addresses critical evidence gaps concerning the health of migrant and displaced populations throughout the migration journey. Using a structured and participatory methodology that included a scoping review, technical consultations and stakeholder surveys, the exercise identified priority research areas and knowledge gaps to support evidence-informed policy and practice.

The publication highlights research priorities across three core themes—social determinants of health, universal health coverage, and emergencies—and two cross-cutting themes focused on data, policy and interventions, and health outcomes. Key gaps include the effects of social and structural determinants, barriers to health care access, inclusion in health systems and emergency responses, long-term health impacts of displacement, and the need for improved data and intersectional analyses. The publication proposes a joint action plan and roadmap to strengthen coordinated, interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research, promote collaboration across sectors, and support the development of equitable, climate-resilient health responses for migrant and displaced populations.