Mexico City, September 26 – The Iztapalapa Migratory Station in Mexico City has cemented its status as the nation’s sole migratory station to be revalidated as a Health Promoting Environment. This designation signifies a commitment to providing comprehensive prevention, health promotion, and integral care services for individuals in human mobility.
A Commitment to Health for All
Nadine Gasman Zylbermann, Secretary of Public Health for Mexico City, emphasized that the right to medical protection extends to everyone in the capital, without exception. She stated that the right to health is universal, irrespective of a person’s origin, nationality, or migratory status. This aligns with the directive from the Head of Government, Clara Brugada Molina, to build a city that prioritizes health through prevention and respect for human dignity.
Julio Cesar Magana Segura, head of the National Institute of Migration’s Representation Office in Mexico City, expressed pride in this institutional achievement, highlighting it as a reflection of the government’s commitment to the integral care of this demographic.
Jose Moya Medina, representative for the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in Mexico, underscored the unprecedented scale and complexity of human mobility. He attributed this to increasing inequalities, armed conflicts, economic crises, climate change, and health emergencies, stressing the need for equitable, culturally relevant, and non-discriminatory assistance.
Expanding Reach: Nine Shelters Included
Since its inception in 2021, the strategy has expanded to include nine shelters across various areas of the capital. These include:
- Casa del Peregrino and CAFEMIN in Gustavo A. Madero
- Casa Mambre and Casa del Migrante Arcangel Rafael in Iztapalapa
- Casa de Asistencia a la Movilidad Humana Vasco de Quiroga in Venustiano Carranza
- Casa de los Amigos and Casa de Asistencia a la Movilidad Humana Bocanegra in Cuauhtémoc
- Casa Fuente in Álvaro Obregón
The revalidation ceremony concluded with the official unveiling of a plaque, following a Health and Wellness Services Fair specifically for migrants. Attendees included Eloisa Otero Arnáiz, Director of Health Promotion; Mirna Vara Aguirre, Director of the Iztapalapa Health District for Welfare; and Rocío Aidee Nolasco Pérez, Director of the Mexico City Migratory Station.
Future Implications and Broader Context
This revalidation marks a significant step in ensuring the well-being of the migrant population within Mexico City. It sets a precedent for other migratory stations nationwide, advocating for a more humane and health-focused approach to migration management. The initiative acknowledges the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals in human mobility and aims to mitigate these through comprehensive support systems.
The emphasis on prevention and integral care is particularly crucial in a global landscape where health disparities often disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. By integrating health promotion into migratory processes, Mexico City is actively working towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all its residents, regardless of their migratory status.
This pioneering effort by Mexico City’s Iztapalapa Migratory Station demonstrates a proactive stance in addressing the complex health needs of migrants, aligning with international recommendations for human rights and public health. The continued expansion of such initiatives to more shelters further strengthens the network of support available to those in transit, reinforcing the city’s commitment to dignity and well-being for all.
