Group of Friends of Health for Refugees and Host Communities

Good health is central for every person’s wellbeing and everyone has the right to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health, including refugees and their host communities. As part of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), States and other stakeholders have committed to contribute resources and expertise to expand and enhance the quality of national health systems to facilitate effective access by refugees and host communities. Since the affirmation of the GCR in 2018, individuals, private businesses, organisations and governments have made pledges to advance the health of refugees. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNHCR will convene the Group of Friends comprised of States, individuals, private sector partners, NGOs, and international organizations to mobilise high quality, joint pledges and contributions to foster sustainable access to affordable, quality health services for refugees and host communities alike to achieve lasting change. The group will further leverage the Global Refugee Forum in December 2023 as a key advocacy moment to advance these objectives. 

The Group of Friends of Health will include dedicated attention to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), which is a multi-sectoral issue.

The next meeting will be held on August 29, 2023.

For more information, please contact Sandra Harlass, UNHCR: [email protected]