Understanding healthcare and population mobility in southern Africa: The case of South Africa

Helen L Walls, Jo Vearey, Moeketsi Modisenyane, Candice M Chetty-Makkan, Salome Charalambous, Richard D Smith, Johanna Hanefeld

The impact of global increases in human mobility on health systems is a little understood but highly political issue in recipient countries. South Africa (SA) is the greatest recipient of migrants from the Southern African Development Community. There is a policy of free primary health care for all in SA - as outlined in the Constitution and the National Health Act - but its interpretation is less inclusive within implementation guidelines and practice.  As a result, non-nationals face access challenges, and public health responses have engaged with migration to a limited extent. Migration provides opportunities for health and economic benefits, and has the potential to positively and negatively affect health systems. To maximise positive impact and mitigate against potential negative consequences requires attention and engagement of policy-makers from health and other sectors, including public health researchers and health workers. We outline our current research and existing responses to migration and health in southern Africa.