The health ministers of four Mediterranean EU states, including Malta, have proposed that the EU launch an integrated health protection programme for immigrants who, they argue, could not be treated only at a national level. In a joint statement, Greece, Italy, Malta and Cyprus called for agreement at an EU level on the potential impact of migration movement on European health systems.

The statement, presented at the end of an informal meeting for health ministers in Godollo, Hungary, earlier this week, was accepted and adopted by the Council of Ministers.The four countries insisted that public health and illegal migration were interconnected: “We are deeply concerned with the public health implications of this situation, taking into consideration the very different epidemiological profiles and health status of the populations concerned.”

Noting the EU was very sensitive towards human rights issues, the health ministers added: “We are doing our utmost for the health needs of these populations. At the same time the citizens of the EU countries have to be protected from potential public health threats.”

The four countries invited member states and candidate countries to join forces and respond effectively to the challenges and their serious repercussions on the public health status of EU citizens.