Migration and health - an integrated approach - Health Policy and Health Services 1

Sep 30, 2026

The intervention addresses migrant health vulnerabilities driven by economic instability, conflict, and limited access to care, with particular focus on Vila Nova de Gaia where the migrant population has grown by over 200% in the last decade. A dedicated multidisciplinary team implemented an organized health unity for people without legal enrollment in the National Health Service, beginning services on 5 March 2024. Outcomes included 4112 appointments covering maternal, child/youth, and adult care, alongside opportunistic HIV and tuberculosis screening and vaccination aligned with the National Vaccination Program. The approach demonstrated feasibility and improved continuity and preventive services.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Aims

Migrant health vulnerabilities in Vila Nova de Gaia

Methods

Team composition and resource allocation

Service launch, referral pathways, and operating hours

Results

Appointment volume by care type

Opportunistic screening and vaccination

Conclusions

Feasibility, access improvement, and preventive care

vi98 European Journal of Public Health, Vol. 35, Supplement 6, 2025 Local Health Unity, in order to ensure equitable access to adequate and continuous medical care, reduce health inequalities, and promote disease prevention. Methods: A dedicated multidisciplinary team was organized, including 2,4 full-time equivalent (FTE) general and family medicine doctors, 3 FTE family nurses, and 2 FTE clinical secretariat staff, and the necessary material resources were allocated. The initiative required training and resource optimization. Clinical services began on 5 March 2024, at the Soares dos Reis building, with patients referred by the different health units, community structures or the citizen’s office. The service operates weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00PM, with planned future expansion. Results: Since implementation, 4112 health appointments have been provided, including 788 maternal health consultations, 1143 child and youth health consultations, and 2181 adult consultations. All eligible individuals underwent opportunistic screening with a rapid HIV test and tuberculosis screening, with support from the respiratory community center as needed. Vaccination was administered according to the National Vaccination Program, with adjustments based on individual health records and circumstances. Conclusions: The approach highlighted the feasibility and impact of a dedicated health response, emphasizing the role of structured planning, professional training and resource optimization. This structured intervention improved access to health care for migrants, ensuring continuity of care and preventive health measures. Abstract citation ID: ckaf180.269 238 Migration and health: an integrated approach Maria Carolina Machado1, Carla Tavares1, Isaura Nobre dos Santos1, Luísa Lopes1, Cristina Santos1, Gonc¸alo Duarte Costa1 1Unidade Local De Saúde Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova De Gaia, Portugal PTH 6: Health Policy and Health Services 1, B307 (FCSH), September 4, 2025, 16:30-17:30 Aims: Migrants face significant health vulnerabilities due to economic instability, conflict and limited healthcare access. In Vila Nova de Gaia, the migrant population has increased by over 200% in the last decade, creating challenges in intercultural healthcare delivery. This intervention aimed to implement a targeted response, creating a health unity for individuals without legal enrollment in the National Health Service, who reside in the geographic area of the

FAQs

What problem does the intervention target for migrants?

Migrants face significant health vulnerabilities from economic instability, conflict, and restricted access to healthcare. The project responds to challenges in intercultural healthcare delivery in Vila Nova de Gaia.

How was the health service implemented and staffed?

A multidisciplinary team was organized, including 2.4 FTE general/family medicine doctors, 3 FTE family nurses, and 2 FTE clinical secretariat staff, with allocated material resources. Services started on 5 March 2024 and patients were referred through multiple local pathways.

What were the main outcomes after implementation?

Since implementation, 4112 health appointments were provided, including maternal, child/youth, and adult consultations. Eligible individuals received opportunistic HIV rapid testing and tuberculosis screening, with vaccination delivered per the National Vaccination Program.

Sep 30, 2026

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