“On this International Migrants Day, let us stand together for the rights of every migrant, and make migration dignified and safe for all.”
– UN Secretary-General António Guterres on International Migrants Day 2025
On International Migrants Day, celebrated today, 18 December, the GHTM | IHMT NOVA highlights its contribution to the study of human mobility and its impact on health, social inequalities and population well-being. This year, the United Nations calls for safer, fairer and more inclusive migration systems that recognise the invaluable contributions of migrants and uphold their human rights, stressing that migration can be a powerful force for good when supported by evidence-based policies and solidarity.
Over recent years, GHTM has developed interdisciplinary research on migration, mobility and health, with a particular focus on migrant children and families living in contexts of vulnerability. This body of work addresses emerging global challenges and promotes evidence-based approaches grounded in human rights, equity and social justice.
In this context, the work developed by Maria do Rosário Martins, leader of PPS-GHTM Research Group, stands out for its relevance and impact. Her research has contributed significantly to understanding how migration status influences access to healthcare, health behaviours and child well-being, particularly in urban settings such as Lisbon.
Recent studies conducted by her research team have shown that migratory status influences the use of primary healthcare services among young children (0–6 years), with differences observed before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting persistent inequalities in access to care. Other research has explored community-based interventions in high-income countries, demonstrating their potential to improve health outcomes for migrant children by addressing social, cultural and structural barriers.
Additional studies focusing on breastfeeding duration, dietary patterns and physical activity among immigrant children living in the Lisbon region reveal important disparities linked to social determinants of health. These findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive health promotion strategies that support healthy behaviours from early childhood and reduce long-term health inequalities.
By marking International Migrants Day, GHTM reaffirms its commitment to producing socially relevant scientific knowledge that informs public policies and interventions, contributing to more inclusive, fair and healthy societies, in line with the principles of global health and sustainable development.