Healthcare access remains one of the most persistent challenges for refugee and immigrant populations worldwide. In many regions, consistent access to preventive and primary care remains limited. According to a World Health Organization fact sheet, more than 1.5 billion people still lack access to quality health services due to financial hardships, a gap that has profound implications for migrants seeking safety or opportunity abroad.
“When individuals arrive in the United States, many have lived for years without access to adequate healthcare,” says Tina Vidal-Duart, CEO of CDR Health. “Even those with qualified refugee status often present with conditions that have gone untreated, sometimes for years. The goal is to identify these issues early and ensure they receive appropriate care.”
The consequences of untreated communicable diseases extend far beyond individual health. In 2023, the state of Florida reported a total of 624 cases of tuberculosis (TB). Notably, this count represents a concerning trend in the state's public health landscape. “Experts have noted that while TB is treatable, delayed diagnosis allows the disease to become more complex, more difficult to manage, and more likely to spread within the community,” Vidal-Duart says.
In addition to tuberculosis, HIV and other communicable diseases remain serious concerns. The CDC reports that about 14% of refugees entering the United States come from countries where HIV prevalence exceeds 5%. Another study found that migrants had higher HIV prevalence compared with native-born populations.
Vidal-Duart explains, “These numbers are about recognizing a system gap: that healthcare access before arrival often determines the public health outcomes afterward. Once they are here, we have a shared responsibility to provide screening, treatment, and protection for everyone involved.”
Globally, these patterns are mirrored in developing regions. A report found that vaccine coverage in parts of South America and the Caribbean had dropped to its lowest level in 30 years, with measles and diphtheria resurging in several countries.
For migrants leaving such regions, these gaps in early healthcare can translate into elevated risks upon arrival elsewhere.
“The U.S. has long had systems in place, like vaccination requirements for school children, that prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable communities,” Vidal-Duart says. “But if those safeguards weaken while global migration increases, we could be facing preventable public health challenges down the line.”
Through partnerships with the Florida Department of Health, CDR Health provides initial health assessments, laboratory screenings, and follow-up referrals for refugees with legal status, helping to identify communicable diseases and connect individuals to appropriate treatment pathways. “These early assessments not only help address immediate medical needs but also contribute to creating the foundation for long-term health stability as refugees adapt to life in a new environment,” Vidal-Duart explains.
CDR Health played a significant role in Florida’s refugee health programs, administering vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, and inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). Vidal-Duart believes that such efforts underscore how coordinated public health systems can reduce disease transmission, support school enrollment requirements, and help newcomers integrate into daily life with fewer barriers.
“Our role is to meet people where they are, often at the very beginning of their new lives here, and make sure they have access to care that protects both them and the communities they are joining,” Vidal-Duart says. “It’s a matter of compassion and public safety.”
As the global movement of people continues to grow, ensuring healthcare equity for refugee and immigrant populations has become not only a humanitarian imperative but also a public health necessity. “Countries receiving new populations must consider how infrastructure, funding, and community outreach can evolve to meet rising needs without overwhelming existing systems,” she says. “By prioritizing early identification, culturally informed communication, and equitable access to treatment, public health programs can better protect both newcomers and long-term residents.”
By expanding access to early screening and preventive treatment, communities can safeguard against disease resurgence while upholding the dignity and well-being of those seeking refuge. “It comes down to one simple truth,” Vidal-Duart says. “Healthcare is a human right. And when we protect the health of the most vulnerable, we strengthen the health of everyone.”
About CDR Health
CDR Health is a healthcare services and public health solutions provider delivering integrated clinical, diagnostic, and operational support across community, corporate, and government settings. The organization specializes in scalable healthcare delivery models, including diagnostic testing, vaccination programs, mobile health services, and emergency response operations. With a focus on access, compliance, and operational efficiency, CDR Health partners with public and private stakeholders to expand healthcare reach and improve patient outcomes. Through data-driven systems and experienced clinical teams, CDR Health supports resilient healthcare infrastructure designed to meet evolving public health needs. For more information, visit cdr-healthmed.com.
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