Reviewing the topic of migration and health as a new national health target for Germany

To review migration and health as a potential new national health target for Germany. The theme was evaluated along 13 standardized criteria preset by the Health Targets Network. For each of the criteria an expert opinion based on an extensive (but nonsystematic) review of literature is presented. Migrants differ in many health-related aspects from the majority population in Germany. Despite having some health advantages, their health status, on average, is lower than that of non-migrants. They also experience barriers in health care and cannot participate in the society on equal terms with the majority population. Different measures to improve the health situation of migrants are available, but their current implementation in the health system is limited in several ways. Present data on the health of migrants is inadequate and limits migrant-sensitive health reporting. The evaluation of potential health targets based on standardized criteria is a valuable tool for health policy formulation. The present documentation can assist other countries in evaluating migration and health as a national health target. It may also contribute to similar activities at the European level.