In 2010, international migrants comprised 3% of the world’s population. Global population movements contribute to the changing global epidemiology of infectious diseases. Most migrants to the UK are young, healthy adults who have chosen to come to the UK, mainly to study or work, and many arrive from countries with a low prevalence of infectious disease. However, some arrive from regions of the world with a high burden of infection. Migrants from high prevalence areas may be at increased risk of infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, malaria and tuberculosis. This increased risk may continue for a number of years after arrival associated both with travel back to their country of origin to visit friends and relatives, and their life experiences in the UK, including their socio-economic circumstances, social mixing patterns and access to health care.

The Travel and Migrant Health section collates data from many different departments of the Health Protection Agency to enhance the understanding of the health needs of migrants to the UK. In addition we maintain the Migrant Health Guide (www.hpa.org.uk/migranthealthguide).  This free online resource aims to assist primary health care practitioners who look after people who have come to live in the UK from abroad. It provides country specific information on a range of infectious and non-infectious conditions that may affect migrant patients, and brings together clinical guidance and other useful resources to help practitioners assess and manage their patients’ health needs.