Abstract

Background: At the present time, migrants are the center of strong political debate worldwide. Health diplomacy and the health of migrants are basically interlinked. Global health diplomacy is a field that bridges the disciplines of public health, international affairs with a focus on negotiations that impact the global policy environment for health. Governing by using diplomacy and negotiating to govern multi- and inter sectorial action are basic components. Migrant workers face public health issues including access to health care and access of health information.

Objective: To explore how health diplomacy is translated to action by the Ethiopian government to protect the health of Ethiopian migrants.

Methods: This study was conducted in Addis Ababa Ethiopia from Nov 2019 to Oct 2020 at government institution based on given mandate, international organization and among returnees. Descriptive qualitative study design was used. Ten key informants, five in-depth interviews and document reviews were conducted. Thematic data analysis was done using open code software. Themes identified were Ethiopia health diplomacy provision, support from international organizations to implement health diplomacy, and experience of migrants at the Middle East countries.

Result: Findings shows health diplomacy is translated to action in terms of advocacy, setting framework, bilateral negotiations, legally binding agreement and multi sectorial collaboration even though less coordination & platform between institutions. Nevertheless health as a goal in foreign policy would be important it is not included in the foreign policy of Ethiopia. International organizations support government by capacity building of institutions, injecting budget, adopting international protocols to national context and assist migrant to reintegrate. Verdicts shows returnees were facing health problems at pre migration, transition, at destination and return.

Conclusion: Migrants are facing challenges in Middle East countries which are getting global attention. These trans boundary issues needs health diplomacy as an important tool for the achievement of SDG.

Key word: Health Diplomacy, International Organization, Legal migrants, Middle East countries.