Strengthening research and translating research priorities into policy and practice
Background
The Western Pacific Region hosts a growing population of migrants and displaced people whose health is shaped by social vulnerability and increasingly, climate-related hazards. Migration and displacement influence the social determinants of physical and mental health, affect access to care, continuity of services, and overall well-being. Yet, efforts to address the health needs of migrant and displaced populations are constrained by persistent evidence gaps, hampering the development of effective, evidence-informed policies and programmes.
To address these gaps, the World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a regional research prioritization exercise on health, migration and displacement, with a focus on climate change. This process engaged a representative, multisectoral group of experts and partners and identified key research gaps, priority actions, and considerations for strengthening policy and practice.
On Monday 6 July 2026, WHO Health and Migration and the WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health will host a global virtual webinar to launch the report. The event will present prioritized evidence gaps and roadmap, and provide a platform for dialogue on advancing interdisciplinary, action-oriented collaborative research to strengthen the health of migrants and displaced populations in the WHO Western Pacific region.
Join us to:
- learn about the research prioritization process;
- explore priority evidence gaps and research needs;
- engage with experts and key actors across the region; and
- advance action to translate research into policy and practice.
Audience
Participation is open to all. This event may be of particular interest to regional policymakers, health sector professionals (including ministry representatives, health managers and health-care providers), academic institutions, civil society and community-based organizations and other actors.
Agenda
Moderated by: Hye Young Song and Sonora English, WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health
Keynote addresses
Dr Santino Severoni, Head, WHO Health and Migration
Dr Sandro Demaio, Director and Head of Office, Asia Pacific Centre for Environment and Health
Presentation of key findingsDr Dorien Braam and Dr Sylvia Garry, Consultants, WHO Health and Migration
Panel discussion
Emma Callon, Technical Officer, Social Determinants of Health, WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific
Dr Patrick Almeida, Migration and Health Regional Thematic Specialist, International Organization for Migration
Dr Brian Hall, Professor of Global Public Health, New York University Shanghai
Salsabila Rashid, Asia-Pacific Regional Secretary, Migration Youth and Children Platform
Dr Jiho Cha, Co-Chairperson, Lancet Commission on Sea Level Rise, Health and Justice