Immigration, refuge and health: sociocultural analysis in perspective

Abstract

The international migratory processes that are recently occurring in Brazil are a field of study for Health Social and Human Sciences. This article aims to reflect on immigrants and refugees processes of inclusion by health institutions, considering the discussion possibilities of Health Social and Human Sciences and the commitment of this area to Human Rights. Initially, contemporary characteristics of international migrations are presented, including the Brazilian situation. Some researches and practices about conceptions of health, illness and care with immigrants are described below, and, finally, we propose a debate on some anthropological concepts that can contribute to create a less stereotyped approach in the processes of inclusion in national health institutions. We intend to present a perspective of Health Social and Human Sciences within a theoretical horizon that is articulated with health practices that can somehow contribute to the formulation of concepts, explanations and guidelines in public policies to these populations.