Addressing Barriers to Health Services for Migrants

My name is Kendra, and I just finished my Master’s in Public Health at the University of Limerick. This past spring, I completed my practicum placement with Doras.

During this time, I gained hands-on experience and the opportunity to dive deeper into current policies, practices, and health interventions for marginalised populations. My project focused on health service accessibility for migrants and refugees in Ireland. 

I believe all individuals have the right to health care, no matter their immigration status.

During my research, I found that the primary challenges for migrants engaging with health services include language, fear, and financial barriers, as well as exclusionary practices and inadequate service delivery, which also negatively impacted on the health of people from a migrant background.

To improve health encounters, service providers must recognise immigration status as a social determinant of health and build trust through culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care. 

From anti-racism training to designing culturally inclusive spaces, there are many ways to improve health interactions and psychosocial support for the migrant community.

You can access my research here.