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J Migr Health
2020[]; 1
(?): 100004
PMID33447830
show ga
BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends national risk communications
tools targeting migrant communities to contain the spread of COVID-19. Within
Europe, migrants are often left behind in healthcare due to structural barriers
driven by hostile environment measures. This study aimed to assess inclusion of
migrants in COVID-19 prevention measures by evaluating if governmental risk
communications are available in common migrant languages across Europe. METHODS:
A rapid review was performed in June 2020 to understand the availability of
government produced risk communications across Council of Europe member states,
namely: COVID-19 health communications, migrant-specific guidelines and COVID-19
helplines. RESULTS: 96% (45/47) of countries sampled had online government
COVID-19 advice. 30% (15/47) issued information in their official language(s),
whilst 64% (30/47) of countries delivered information in additional languages.
48% (23/47) translated information into at least one migrant language. However,
information on testing or healthcare entitlements in common migrant languages was
only found in 6% (3/47). Half (53%; 25/47) of the countries with COVID-19
helpline offered information in at least one alternative language.No government
produced risk communications on disease prevention targeting people in refugee
camps or informal settlements. CONCLUSIONS: There are clear gaps in the
availability of translated COVID-19 risk communications across Europe, excluding
migrants from the COVID-19 response. Governments must reflect on the inclusion of
migrants within their COVID-19 response and seek to engage vulnerable
communities. Governments should urgently partner with non-governmental
organizations who already play a key role in addressing unmet health needs.