Agyemang, C., Aranda, Z., Jumbe, A., Maatoug, T., Mlotshwa, L., Ouahchi, A., Tenna, M., Vearey, J. Strengthening the health of African populations on the move within the continent. The Lancet Regional Health – Africa: 100031 (2026). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S305050112600012X (OPEN ACCESS)

The Lancet Regional Health – Africa journal recently published its first issue. This new open access journal aims to promote the advancement of clinical practice and health policy in Africa with the goal of improving health outcomes for all people regionally and globally. The publication also aspires to increase the quality of research in African countries and across the region.

ACMS co-director Associate Professor Jo Vearey, and senior researcher Dr Langelihle Mlotshwa have contributed to a paper in this inaugural issue titled: ‘Strengthening the health of African populations on the move within the continent‘ (2026). The article argues that African migration is predominantly intra-continental and is likely to increase due to factors such as climate change, conflict, economic pressures, and tightening migration restrictions outside the continent. At the same time, declining international funding is weakening health and protection systems for migrants, therefore exacerbating their vulnerability.

The authors call for coordinated, multi-level action to improve migrants’ health. They emphasise better living conditions; expanded access to equitable healthcare (including progress toward universal health coverage); continuity of care across borders through integrated health systems; and improved training of healthcare providers to address discrimination and cultural barriers.

“If stakeholders across African healthcare systems, particularly in countries situated along major migration corridors, act on these priorities, they will not only improve the health and protection of migrants and mobile populations but also enhance the preparedness and resilience of health systems in the face of continually evolving mobility dynamics” (2026:2).

Strengthening these areas, they argue, is essential not only for protecting mobile populations, but also for building more resilient health systems across Africa.

Click here to download this paper for free: Strengthening the health of African populations on the move within the continent.