Support to Health transition
On average, about 2,000 migrants stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) for several months at a time on their way to the EU. Many of them have health problems and are in need of medical care. However, 95% of migrants are not entitled to get health care from BiH health providers and depend on donor-funded services. Switzerland supports the efforts of BiH authorities to integrate the health care provision for migrants adapted to their needs into the national health care system and thus to improve access to health for all.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Health Migration Humanitarian Assistance & DRR
Health systems strengthening
Migration generally (development aspects and partnerships) Protection, access & security |
01.08.2022
- 30.09.2024 |
CHF 900’000
|
- Primary health care institutions at Cantonal and municipal level
- Public Health Institutes (Federal and Cantonal Level)
- Ministries of Health (Federal and Cantonal Level)
- Local communities with high influx of migrants and civil society organizations
- Migrants, with a special focus on particularly vulnerable groups such as women and unaccompanied minors
- Migrants in BiH have continued access to quality basic health care services.
- The health authorities in BiH integrate health care of migrants into the country’s health care system, in line with international and EU standards.
- Direct health care assistance provided for at least 80 persons per month moving along the migrant route by the First Aid Outreach Mobile Teams, including triage and referrals for specialised care.
- A pool of six cultural mediators and translators for culturally sensitive medical assistance and medical escorting to migrants integrated into the interagency resource pool.
- 24/7 medical care is provided in the Temporary Reception Center Lipa, accommodating up to 1,500 migrants; medical supplies provided for 4 Temporary Reception Centers in BiH.
- Cantonal and municipal health institutions and professionals have protocols and contingency plans in place and are able to manage and provide health care to migrants and respond in the event of an unexpected influx of migrants or an outbreak of endemic diseases.
- Health care institutions and service providers in two cantons are equipped with specialized medical equipment and essential medical supplies to respond to an increased caseload of patients.
- Community support projects in high-migration communities reduce exclusion and promote social coexistence between native and migrant communities.
- Other international or foreign NGO North
- Federal and cantonal ministries of health; Health care centers
- European Union Delegation in Sarajevo
- UN Agencies (UNHCR, WHO, IOM, UNICEF, UNFPA) active in the European Union’s response to the migrant situation
- Red Cross Societies of the Federation of BiH
- Support by State Secretariat of Migration to Ministry of Security
- SDC’s Mental Health Project
- World Bank for the planned health care reform programme
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation HEALTH
GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Health policy and administrative management
Facilitation of orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility
Material relief assistance and services
Cross-cutting topics Human rights
The project supports partner organisation improvements as a priority
Aid Type Project and programme contribution
Project number 7F10989
| Background | Over 89,000 migrants have arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2018, BiH authorities counted 15,740 arrivals alone in 2021. As more than 95% of migrants have not applied for asylum, the vast majority is not entitled to get any health care services. The health facilities set up in the Temporary Reception Centers provide medical care through primary health centre teams paid by international donors are an interim solution. The Ministry of Security responsible for the overall migration management, has intensified its efforts to gradually take over responsibility from international organisations. The framework for the transfer of responsibilities to BiH institutions also includes the integration of migrant health services into the country's system. A three-year transition plan has been established in cooperation with the entity and cantonal health authorities as well as the main humanitarian actors currently providing health care services for migrants. |
| Objectives | Migrants receive quality medical care through the national health care system as part of an improved migration management by the BiH authorities. |
| Target groups |
|
| Medium-term outcomes |
|
| Results |
Expected results: Results from previous phases: Results from previous interventions by DRC and supported by Switzerland in the field of health care for migrants and which serve as a basis: Support to Primary Health Centers and Public Health Institute in Una-Sana Canton for detection/diagnostics and treatment of communicable diseases. Improvement of hygienic and sanitary conditions in Temporary Reception Centers. In cooperation with municipal, Cantonal and Federal authorities, development of 36 Standard Operative Procedures defining all needed essential health interventions in regular health care institutions, as well as in emergency settings ensuring refugee and migrantsensitive and inclusive health policies in relation to infectious and communicable diseases. |
| Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
| Project partners |
Contract partner International or foreign NGO |
| Coordination with other projects and actors |
|
| Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 900’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 815’174 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 1’800’000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF 0 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 900’000 |
| Project phases |
Phase 1 01.08.2022 - 30.09.2024 (Completed) |
