Viet Nam is home to dynamic and multidimensional population movements. Harnessing the full benefits of the migration process can unlock opportunities and deliver much-needed income and prosperity to families and communities, yet migrants themselves have been identified as vulnerable populations facing disadvantages in health-care access in Viet Nam and destination countries.

The relationship between health and migration is complex and influenced by the socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds of migrants, their previous health history, as well as the nature, quality and access to health-care systems prior to moving.

At regional and global levels, ensuring the health of migrants is a human rights quest and a common responsibility with public health impacts that transcend national boundaries. This is recognized as a key Global Health Goal by the World Health Assembly (WHA) and a tenet of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as evidenced by SDG 3. Good health and well-being and Target 3.8: achieve universal health coverage.

The Ministry of Health of Viet Nam, in partnership with IOM and World Health Organization, jointly undertook a situation analysis of migrant health. Its findings are articulated in this Situation Analysis of Migrant Health in Viet Nam report, which outlines the key needs and steps forward for development of a national action plan to promote the health of migrants in Viet Nam.