International Focus - Centre For Migrant and Refugee Health

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International Focus-Engaging Across Borders

At the Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health (CMRH), our mission is to provide critical health promotion and support services to displaced populations, refugees, migrants, and asylum-seeking populations. Guided by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) vision, we empower communities to take control of their health, improve access to essential services, and build resilience amid conflict, displacement, and natural disasters.

Through Australia Humanitarian Relief Services (AusHRS), we address urgent needs in healthcare, mental health, education, clean water, food security, and sustainability. We deliver sustainable solutions that improve long-term health outcomes by promoting health equity, increasing healthcare access, and fostering collaboration with global and local partners.

Aligned with the principles of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (1986), AusHRS emphasizes advocacy, enabling health equity, and mediation across sectors to address the social determinants of health. Our work also reflects global health priorities, such as those outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, driving efforts to reduce health disparities and improve global well-being.

Commitment to Sustainable Health Solutions

Our programs integrate prevention, health education, and equitable healthcare delivery to empower individuals and communities. Key strategies include:

Advocacy: Raising awareness and securing resources to meet the health needs of marginalized populations.
Enablement: Providing essential services like primary healthcare, clean water, and mental health support to ensure equitable health opportunities.
Mediation: Partnering with governments, NGOs, and local stakeholders to create integrated, sustainable healthcare solutions tailored to the needs of refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers.

Fostering Global Health Equity

CMRH remains a leader in global health promotion, committed to reducing disparities and ensuring access to health resources for all. By advocating for sustainable healthcare solutions and supporting displaced communities, we aim to transform lives and make health equity a reality.

As we advance, our dedication to health promotion as a cornerstone of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will continue. We will ensure that vulnerable populations are supported through advocacy, action, and collaboration for a healthier, more equitable world.

Partnership - A global Approach to Collaboration

The Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health (CMRH) seeks strategic local and international partnerships to deliver comprehensive and inclusive health services to migrants, refugees, asylum-seeking populations, and displaced individuals. Locally, CMRH will collaborate with community-based organizations and local councils to provide culturally sensitive and accessible services tailored to diverse communities. Partnerships with healthcare providers, including hospitals and mental health services, will focus on enhancing access to specialized care through integrated and co-located service delivery models. Collaborations with educational institutions will support research, capacity building, and health awareness initiatives.

On an international scale, CMRH will engage with global non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to address critical social determinants of health, including housing, employment, and trauma recovery for displaced populations. Partnerships with international aid agencies and government bodies will ensure alignment with policies and access to funding for sustainable programs. Faith-based organizations will be instrumental in reaching culturally sensitive communities both locally and abroad, while corporate and philanthropic partnerships will provide vital resources and financial support.

CMRH also plans to leverage technology and telehealth innovations to expand access to underserved populations globally. These partnerships, guided by cultural competence, sustainability, and community involvement, aim to improve service quality and address the multifaceted health needs of migrant and refugee populations worldwide.

The CMRH on its International Mental Health and Healthcare Services Delivery is supported by CSRN through contracting 180DC and Cambridge Consulting Network in the UK.

“The CMRH is proud to acknowledge and recognize the outstanding contributions from the CSRN in helping to establish and build global partnerships that have strengthened our ability to deliver vital mental health and healthcare services locally and internationally. Through CSRN initiating key collaborations with 180 Degrees Consulting (180DC) BITS Hyderabad and the Cambridge Consulting Network (London), CMRH has significantly expanded its global presence and capacity to support and protect displaced populations, migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

In 2024, the dedication of CSRN through contracting 180DC and Cambridge Consulting Network has propelled CMRH to the forefront of international humanitarian work, ensuring essential health services are delivered to those who need them most, particularly in Africa and other crisis-affected regions. These partnerships marked a major milestone for CMRH as we extended our reach both locally and globally.

Our collaboration with CSRN has been transformative, especially in researching and providing informed and structured future channels to better deliver services across the globe, including the Republic of South Sudan, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and beyond. Their strategic guidance has embedded CMRH’s services within local and international communities, ensuring long-term, sustainable impact. Together, these partnerships empower us to provide culturally appropriate and effective care, supporting our mission to improve the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of vulnerable populations around the world. We remain deeply committed to this important work and look forward to continuing our successful partnerships to further this mission. The CSRN support is vital to our international efforts.”.

CMRH International Team

As millions face barriers to accessing healthcare, clean water, mental health support, and education due to conflict, displacement, and disasters, our Australian Humanitarian Relief Services (AHRS) aims to bridge these gaps through compassionate care and sustainable solutions.

Operating in South Sudan, Sudan, and other parts of Africa, we prioritize providing healthcare and support to those most affected by crisis — women, children, the elderly, and individuals who have suffered trauma. By focusing on long-term health outcomes and empowerment, we ensure that communities gain access to essential services and opportunities for future resilience.

Our collaborative approach, in partnership with local communities, governments, and international organizations, focuses on health promotion, preventive care, and active community involvement. Together, we can ensure that every individual, regardless of circumstance, has access to quality healthcare and support, laying the foundation for a healthier, more equitable future.

Our work is powered by healthcare professionals, dedicated volunteers, and global supporters who believe in the transformative power of health and education. Join us in making a difference, and together, we can provide life-saving services and foster hope and resilience.

Australia Humanitarian Relief Services (AusHRS)

Primary Healthcare Services

Many migrants, refugees, people seeking asylum, and displaced populations face severe challenges in accessing healthcare. This results in the spread of preventable diseases and high rates of malnutrition. Barriers such as language differences, cultural dissonance, and inadequate resources (including financial constraints and lack of transportation) further exacerbate these issues. Vulnerable populations often lack familiarity with local healthcare systems, making it difficult for them to navigate available services. Consequently, these challenges lead to increased morbidity and mortality rates, particularly among women and children.

The CMRH aims to provide essential healthcare services that meet the specific needs of vulnerable populations, thereby improving overall health outcomes, particularly maternal and child health.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

Migrants, refugees, people seeking asylum, and displaced individuals often endure extreme psychological stress due to conflict, violence, and the trauma of displacement. Exposure to traumatic events can lead to mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Unfortunately, access to mental health services in displaced settings is limited, leaving many to suffer in silence. CMRH’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support program is designed to address these needs by providing targeted trauma counseling and mental health education, empowering individuals to begin the process of recovery and healing.

The aim of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support program is to offer trauma counseling and psychosocial support to displaced individuals, fostering mental recovery and promoting emotional well-being in the long term.

Reproductive Health Services, Maternal and Child Health

Women living in refugee camps and displaced communities often face significant barriers to accessing essential reproductive health services. The lack of proper prenatal, postnatal, and family planning care increases risks during pregnancy and childbirth, leading to higher maternity and infant mortality rates. Addressing these gaps is critical to ensuring the health and well-being of both women and newborns in crisis settings. By providing comprehensive reproductive health services, CMRH aims to reduce these risks and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

The aim of the Reproductive Health Services, Maternal and Child Health program is to ensure that women and newborns in displaced communities receive the comprehensive reproductive healthcare they need, focusing on safe childbirth, family planning, and maternal health to improve their overall well-being.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

Access to clean water, sanitation, and proper hygiene practices is critical in preventing the spread of diseases, particularly in refugee camps and displaced communities. Without these essential resources, populations are vulnerable to waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea, which can cause severe illness and death, especially in crisis settings. The WASH initiative addresses these urgent needs by ensuring that displaced populations have access to clean water and sanitation, while also promoting good hygiene practices to protect their health.

The aim of the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) program is to provide clean water and improve sanitation and hygiene practices in displaced communities to reduce the transmission of diseases and improve overall health and well-being.

Infographic

Clean Water and Sanitation: A Global Report Card

The United Nations (UN) recognizes access to clean water and sanitation as a fundamental human right. Despite this, more than two billion people worldwide still struggle to realize this basic necessity. Barriers to clean water and proper sanitation continue to affect large populations, particularly in vulnerable regions, highlighting the urgent need for global action to ensure equitable access for all.

clean-water-and-sanitation-global-report-card.pdf (SECURED) (nationalgeographic.org)

Infographic by National Geographic Society

Health Education and Outreach

Health education is a powerful tool that enables communities to take control of their health, prevent diseases, and improve overall well-being. In displaced populations, access to healthcare may be limited, making health education critical in promoting preventative measures and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health. By increasing awareness about nutrition, hygiene, and reproductive health, communities can better manage their health outcomes, particularly in crisis settings where healthcare resources are often scarce.

The aim of the Health Education and Outreach program is to equip vulnerable and displaced communities with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent disease, maintain good health, and promote healthy practices within their communities.

Medical Supply Distribution

In crisis settings, such as refugee camps and displaced communities, healthcare facilities often suffer from shortages of essential supplies and medications. These shortages can prevent healthcare providers from delivering life-saving treatments and managing preventable diseases. Limited access to medications and medical equipment exacerbates health crises, leading to poor health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

The aim of the Medical Supply Distribution program is to ensure that healthcare providers in under-resourced settings have access to the necessary medical supplies and medications to effectively treat patients and manage health emergencies.

Training and Education Programs

Access to education and vocational training is essential for empowering migrants, refugees, and displaced individuals to improve their livelihoods and become self-reliant. In many crisis-affected regions, individuals are denied access to quality education or vocational skills development, hindering their ability to secure employment or contribute to their communities. By offering training and educational programs, CMRH aims to provide individuals with the skills needed to rebuild their lives and foster community development.

The aim of the Training and Education Programs is to equip displaced individuals with educational and vocational skills that will empower them to achieve self-reliance and contribute to their communities’ growth and development.

Sports and Physical Health Programs

For displaced individuals, refugees, migrants, and people seeking asylum, sports and physical health programs play a vital role in fostering mental well-being, physical fitness, and social cohesion. Many refugees and migrants face significant trauma from conflict and displacement, and sports can be a powerful tool for helping individuals cope with stress, build resilience, and regain a sense of normalcy. Physical activity encourages teamwork, discipline, and leadership, providing displaced youth and adults with a positive outlet to channel their energy, build relationships, and integrate into their new environments.

In refugee camps and displaced communities, where opportunities for recreation and physical activity are limited, sports programs can also serve as a means of community engagement, promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing the risks of physical and mental health challenges.

The aim of the Sports and Physical Health Programs is to promote physical fitness, mental well-being, and social integration for displaced individuals through organized sports and physical activities. These programs aim to reduce stress, encourage teamwork, and create safe spaces for refugees and migrants to build community and enhance their physical health.

Scholarships and Educational Support

For migrants, refugees, people seeking asylum, and displaced individuals, education is a critical pathway to rebuilding their lives, fostering community development, and securing long-term stability. Displaced individuals often face significant barriers to accessing quality education, whether due to financial hardship, legal restrictions, or disrupted schooling caused by conflict or displacement. Without access to education and vocational training, many young people and professionals from these communities struggle to integrate into new societies and gain the skills necessary for economic self-reliance.

By providing scholarships and educational support, the Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health (CMRH) aims to eliminate these barriers, offering displaced individuals the opportunity to pursue higher education or vocational training, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and achieve personal and professional growth. Education not only empowers individuals but also serves as a tool for social integration, helping displaced populations rebuild their futures with dignity and purpose.

The aim of the Scholarships and Educational Support initiative is to offer financial aid and guidance to young people and professionals from displaced communities, helping them access higher education and vocational training opportunities. Through these scholarships, we empower individuals to gain the knowledge and skills they need to rebuild their lives and contribute to the development of their communities.

Food Security, Food Justice and Sustainability Development

Our Approach to Promoting Healthier Populations

At the Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health (CMRH), our approach aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), setting forth a bold and ambitious agenda for improving global health and wellbeing. As part of our Australian Humanitarian Relief Services (AHRS), we are committed to supporting vulnerable populations through targeted health promotion and community empowerment initiatives. Our mission is not just about combating diseases but creating environments where all individuals, particularly displaced populations, can live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Our Target

Aligned with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global strategy, we aim to help ensure that more than 500,000 people enjoy better health and well-being by 2030. This is part of WHO’s core mission to promote health, ensure safety, and serve vulnerable populations. Our efforts extend beyond disease control, focusing on ensuring access to healthcare and promoting well-being for all ages, leaving no one behind.

At CMRH, our mission is to enhance the health promotion, rights, and well-being of migrant and refugee communities by enabling all individuals to have control over their health. We emphasize an inclusive, rights-based approach that incorporates collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based interventions to create sustainable health outcomes.

At the Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health, we are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind. Whether through health promotion, capacity building, or advocacy, our goal is to create lasting health outcomes for individuals and communities who face barriers to care. As we continue our work through the Australian Humanitarian Relief Services, we aim to promote healthier populations, build resilience, and contribute to the global effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Our approach is built on a foundation of collaboration, equity, and innovation, ensuring that we address the root causes of health disparities while empowering individuals and communities to achieve their full potential. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Key Pillars of Our Approach

Building Partnerships and Collaboration

We believe in the power of partnerships to drive real change. By collaborating with local governments, international organizations, healthcare providers, and community groups, we can amplify our impact and ensure more people gain access to essential health services. Our work is guided by the belief that collaboration across sectors is key to achieving health equity.

Health Promotion

Health promotion is at the heart of everything we do. Guided by WHO’s definition of health promotion as “the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve their health,” we develop programs that empower individuals and communities to take charge of their health. From health education campaigns to disease prevention strategies, we aim to improve the overall health literacy of displaced populations.

Gender Equality

We place a strong focus on gender equality, recognizing that women and girls in refugee and migrant communities often face heightened barriers to accessing healthcare. Our programs ensure that women receive the necessary reproductive health services, mental health support, and maternal care they need to thrive. Promoting gender equity in health is a central part of our strategy to ensure inclusive and equitable health outcomes for all.

Disability-Inclusive Healthcare

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities in crisis-affected settings, we design our healthcare programs to be inclusive and accessible to individuals living with disabilities. Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their physical or mental ability, has access to the healthcare services and support they need.

Capacity Development

A critical aspect of our approach is capacity development. We work closely with local communities, healthcare providers, and frontline workers to build their capacity to respond to health challenges effectively. By providing training, resources, and tools, we strengthen local health systems, ensuring they are better equipped to deliver long-term, sustainable health solutions to vulnerable populations.

Evidence-Based Health Initiatives

All our programs are grounded in evidence-based practices. We rely on data and research to inform our interventions, ensuring that they are effective, scalable, and aligned with the unique needs of the communities we serve. By leveraging the latest research in public health, we ensure that our programs are not only responsive to current needs but are also adaptable to future challenges.

Advocacy for Health Equity

Advocacy plays a crucial role in our efforts to promote health and well-being for all. We work to influence policy at both the local and international levels, advocating for inclusive health systems, the protection of human rights, and greater investment in healthcare for marginalized populations. Our advocacy efforts ensure that the voices of migrants, refugees, and displaced people are heard in decision-making processes.

Social Justice

At the heart of our mission, social justice embodies our commitment to equity, equality, inclusion, and fairness. We recognize and celebrate the exemplary achievements of community and institutional leaders, as well as their organizations, for driving excellence and fostering transformative change. Through these efforts, we aim to inspire a more just and equitable society for all.

Research, Policy Support, Advocacy, and Good Governance

We are committed to advancing health outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly refugees, migrants, and displaced individuals, by focusing on key areas such as research, policy support, and advocacy. Our approach is grounded in the belief that strengthening governance and creating sustainable systems are essential for ensuring that healthy choices are both accessible and affordable to all. This approach recognizes that health is influenced by multiple factors beyond the healthcare system, such as education, income, and living conditions. Therefore, decisions made in other sectors directly impact health outcomes and influence patterns of disease and mortality.

Strengthening Governance and Policies for Health

We work to improve health governance and policies to ensure that the right systems are in place to support equitable health outcomes. This involves creating sustainable, whole-of-society collaboration that engages different sectors—such as education, housing, and employment—to shape environments that support health. By advocating for cross-sector collaboration, we aim to empower communities and ensure that governments and policymakers make decisions that prioritize health equity.

Health Literacy

Health literacy is a foundational element of our work. We aim to empower individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills they need to take control of their health. By improving health literacy, citizens can play an active role in managing their health, participating in community health initiatives, and holding governments accountable for addressing health disparities. Health-literate populations are more likely to advocate for their own well-being and push for systems that ensure equitable access to healthcare.

Healthy Settings

Inspired by the WHO Health for All strategy and the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, we focus on creating Healthy Settings. This approach emphasizes community participation, partnerships, empowerment, and equity. By fostering environments where health promotion is embedded in daily life, whether in cities, schools, or workplaces, our aim is to create settings that actively support well-being. The Healthy Cities Program is a prominent example, showcasing how local action can improve community health.

Social Mobilisation

Social mobilization is key to our strategy. We work to bring together societal and personal influences to raise awareness, generate demand for health services, and foster community involvement in health initiatives. By creating platforms for sustainable engagement, we empower individuals and communities to take part in the delivery of health resources and services. Through this approach, we aim to mobilize collective action to drive improvements in health and well-being.

Our Integrated Approach

Research: We prioritize evidence-based research to inform our health interventions and ensure that our programs address the most pressing health challenges in migrant and refugee populations.
Policy Support and Advocacy: By advocating for policies that promote health equity, we work to influence decision-making processes at local, national, and international levels to ensure that healthcare systems respond to the needs of vulnerable communities.
Good Governance: We strive to enhance transparency, accountability, and collaboration in healthcare governance, ensuring that public health systems are designed to meet the needs of all individuals, especially those at the margins.

By integrating research, advocacy, governance, and community-driven approaches, the Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health is committed to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations, fostering healthier settings, and driving social change to ensure sustainable, equitable health solutions for all.

Support Our Mission: Make a Difference Today

At the Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health (CMRH), we are dedicated to transforming lives through health promotion and humanitarian relief services. Your generous donation enables us to deliver life-saving programs to migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced individuals worldwide. With a focus on empowering communities, we provide critical services such as healthcare, mental health support, education, clean water, and sustainable food solutions.

By supporting CMRH, you join a global movement to promote health equity and resilience in the face of conflict, displacement, and crises. Together, we can advocate for the underserved, ensure access to essential care, and build sustainable systems that uplift vulnerable populations. Every contribution brings us closer to creating a healthier, more just world where no one is left behind.

Donate now to help us continue this vital work and foster hope for the future.

Programs Your Donations Support

Your contribution directly impacts the lives of vulnerable individuals by funding these vital programs:

Primary Healthcare and Public Health Services

- Deliver essential medical care to refugees, migrants, and displaced populations.
- Provide maternal and child healthcare, vaccinations, and malnutrition treatment.
- Address communicable and noncommunicable diseases through early diagnosis and treatment.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

- Offer trauma counselling and mental health education to individuals affected by conflict and displacement.
- Promote emotional well-being and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Women and Reproductive Health Services
- Provide prenatal, postnatal, and family planning care to women in crisis settings.
- Support safe childbirth practices and educate communities on reproductive health.
- Ensure access to menstrual hygiene products and education for women and girls, addressing the unique challenges of managing menstruation in displaced settings.
- Offer hygiene kits specifically tailored to women’s needs, including sanitary pads, soap, and other essential items, to promote dignity and health.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
- Ensure access to clean water and sanitation facilities in refugee camps and crisis zones.
- Distribute hygiene kits and conduct hygiene education to prevent disease outbreaks.

Health Education and Outreach
- Empower communities with knowledge about disease prevention, hygiene, and nutrition.
- Conduct workshops and community health outreach programs to improve overall health literacy.
Medical Supply Distribution
- Deliver essential medications, vaccines, and medical equipment to under-resourced healthcare providers.
- Support crisis-affected healthcare facilities with the tools needed to save lives.
Training and Education Programs
- Provide literacy, vocational training, and educational support to displaced individuals.
- Empower communities with skills for self-reliance and long-term development.
Sports and Physical Health Programs
- Promote physical fitness, mental well-being, and social integration through organized sports activities.
- Foster teamwork and resilience among youth and adults in displaced communities.
Food Security, Justice, and Sustainability Development
- Address food insecurity through sustainable agriculture, community gardens, and nutritional education.
- Advocate for equitable access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations.
Scholarships and Educational Support
- Fund educational opportunities for refugees and migrants to rebuild their lives.
- Offer scholarships, mentorship, and vocational training to empower future leaders.

Your Impact

Note: Reason for your donations

A $20 donation can provide hygiene kits to 10 displaced individuals, helping to prevent disease outbreaks.
A $50 donation can support trauma counselling sessions for survivors of conflict.
A $60 donation can supply essential vaccines to protect vulnerable children from preventable diseases.

By supporting these programs, you help CMRH deliver essential services, restore dignity, and create pathways to brighter futures for those in need.

Donate today to make an impact that matters.

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Overview