How do migrants promote more accessible and inclusive healthcare systems? 

In recent years, the misconception has spread that migrants are a public health risk to host communities. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, in some countries, there were accusations that migrants contributed to the spread of the disease. However, practice showed that even in the strictest lockdowns, when there were no migrant movements, the disease continued spreading. These stereotypes and prejudices can negatively affect the integration of migrants into host communities, ignoring their numerous contributions, including those to inclusive and efficient health systems.

Here, we present four examples of how migrants promote the health and well-being of our communities.

• Contribution to SDG 3, Health and Well-being: even though migrants, especially those in an irregular situation, are often excluded from national public health programs when their right to health is guaranteed, they can become strategic agents for that Member States advance in the achievement of SDG 3 (Health and Well-being) of the 2030 Agenda, by having more inclusive health policies, improving access to health services and being better prepared to face medical emergencies such as COVID-19.
• Disease control and prevention: Migrants play an important role in disease control and prevention, especially during health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. By working in essential services, such as healthcare, and having access to accurate and up-to-date information, they can take preventative steps to limit exposure and minimize the spread of infectious diseases. Additionally, they can be important change agents by sharing information on preventing the spread of diseases and encouraging others to take preventative action in their communities. 
• Knowledge sharing: Migrants bring valuable experiences and knowledge about health practices and disease management from their countries of origin. These insights can greatly benefit healthcare providers and health researchers in receiving communities, leading to adopting more effective and culturally appropriate practices. In addition, exchanging knowledge and best practices between healthcare professionals from different countries can foster innovation and advancement in healthcare in our societies. 
• Community participation: Under favorable conditions, migrants can help raise awareness about health issues relevant to their community, such as access to health care and disease prevention. Furthermore, by learning first-hand about the barriers they face in accessing health care, migrants can be a powerful advocacy group in advocating for implementing public policies that guarantee equitable access to health care for all people, including those in an irregular migratory situation. 

Therefore, governments and institutions should work on the effective integration of migrants into national programs for health promotion, prevention, treatment, and disease care, to achieve a more just and equitable society in line with Goal 3 (Health and Well-being) of the 2030 Agenda and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, which establishes in its objective 15 (Provide migrants access to basic services), the need to provide migrants with access to basic services and guarantee that they can exercise their human rights, regardless of their immigration status, accessing basic services in safe conditions.