Global mobility, travel and migration health: clinical and public health implications for children and families

Exponential growth of the world's population combined with increased travel has dramatically increased the spread of infectious diseases. Although there has been significant focus on migration, the major contributors to the transmission of communicable diseases are travel and tourism not migration. Given that children represent up to 10% of international travellers, it is critical to the health of all age groups to ensure that tailored guidance for children is considered in public health policy and guidelines, and pandemic responses. To further support pandemic preparedness, public health systems need to strengthen ties with communities and health systems. In addition, travel and migration issues need to be included as core competencies in medical education. Ensuring that clinicians who care for children have knowledge of travel and migration health will foster a better health outcome in an increasingly mobile population at risk of emerging infectious diseases.