Health issues of minority women living in western Europe : report on a WHO meeting, Copenhagen, Denmark 24-25 November 1997

Abstract

The WHO Regional Office for Europe hosted a meeting on health issues of minority women in western Europe, attended by participants from Denmark, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The participants discussed a wide range of subjects, such as: the number of immigrants in western Europe, pregnancy and birth issues, female genital mutilation, mental health, experience with providing health care for immigrant women and sexual health, including approaches to HIV/AIDS prevention among ethnic minorities. All participants felt that, regardless of social or economic status, equity in health care and the social inclusion of members of minority groups, especially women, are vital to the wellbeing of a community. The participants made recommendations to such bodies as the Regional Office, governments and health services. Another meeting is planned for 1999, at which it is hoped that WHO, European Member States, the International Organization for Migration, the European Union and a group of medical professionals and immigration experts will form a strong network to follow up and monitor these issues