Chronic Diseases
摘要
The demographic shift and epidemiological transition observed in the general population have also impacted migrant communities, becoming a significant public health concern that demands attention to ensure no one is left behind. Migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean region face unique risks due to exposures at different phases of the migration process, which may lead to a higher risk for chronic diseases over time. This chapter examines the current knowledge on chronic diseases among migrants in the region, highlighting critical gaps, barriers, and social determinants of health while exposing the urgent need for more comprehensive research and public health responses. Although the evidence remains scarce, often relying on self-reported data, methodological and structural challenges further limit research and policy development. The chapter emphasizes the growing problem of undiagnosed and poorly managed chronic diseases due to limited healthcare access across the region. It explores the influence of social determinants such as migratory status, socioeconomic disadvantages, health systems shortcomings, and psychosocial factors like discrimination on worsening health outcomes. The following sections call for clinically measured data collection, tailored interventions, and policies addressing health’s social determinants while actively involving migrants to mitigate the chronic disease burden.