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Forced Migration and the Spread of Infectious Diseases

Author

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  • Ibáñez, Ana María
  • Rozo, Sandra V.
  • Urbina, María J.

Abstract

We examine the role of Venezuelan forced migration on the propagation of 15 infectious diseases in Colombia. For this purpose, we use rich municipal-monthly panel data. We exploit the fact that municipalities closer to the main migration entry points have a disproportionate exposure to infected migrants when the cumulative migration flows increase. We find that higher refugee inflows are associated with increments in the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as chickenpox and tuberculosis, as well as sexually transmitted diseases, namely syphilis. However, we find no significant effects of migration on the propagation of vector-borne diseases. Contact with infected migrants upon arrival seems to be the main driving mechanism.

Suggested Citation

  • Ibáñez, Ana María & Rozo, Sandra V. & Urbina, María J., 2021. "Forced Migration and the Spread of Infectious Diseases," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jhecon:v:79:y:2021:i:c:s016762962100076x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2021.102491
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    Cited by:

    1. Alicia Barriga & Richard A. Dunn, 2025. "The effect of mass migration on disease transmission: Evidence from the Venezuelan refugee crisis," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 44(2), pages 428-455, March.
    2. Giorgia Barboni & Nicol√°s de Roux & Santiago Perez-Cardona, 2024. "Perceived Social Acceptance and Migrants' Financial Inclusion," Documentos CEDE 21278, Universidad de los Andes, Facultad de Economía, CEDE.
    3. Juan Camilo Taborda Burgos & Alida Maria Acosta Ortiz & Maria Camila García, 2021. "Discriminación en silencio: percepciones de migrantes venezolanos sobre la discriminación en Colombia," Revista Desarrollo y Sociedad, Universidad de los Andes,Facultad de Economía, CEDE, vol. 89(5), pages 143-186.
    4. Cansu OYMAK & Jean-François MAYSTADT, 2024. "Can refugees improve native children's health?: evidence from Turkey," JODE - Journal of Demographic Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 90(3), pages 521-551, September.
    5. Maria José Urbina & Sandra V. Rozo & Andrés Moya & Ana María Ibáñez, 2023. "Least Protected, Most Affected: Impacts of Migration Regularization Programs on Pandemic Resilience," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 113, pages 347-351, May.
    6. Marques, Renan & Maciel, Mateus & Zuchowski, David, 2025. "Under pressure? Forced migration and public health," MPRA Paper 128976, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    7. Morales-Arilla, Jose & Martin, Diego & Morales, Alvaro, 2025. "Escaping from hardship, searching for comfort: Climate matching in refugees’ destination choices," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
    8. Dang, Thang, 2025. "Language training, refugees' healthcare integration, and the next generation's health," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).
    9. Uchenna, Efobi & Joseph, Ajefu, 2024. "Exploring the Spillover Effects of Internally Displaced Settlements on the Wellbeing of Children of the Locales," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1381, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    10. Chatruc,Marisol Rodriguez & Rozo Villarraga,Sandra Viviana, 2022. "Discrimination Toward Migrants During Crises," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10091, The World Bank.
    11. Mustafa Özer & Jan Fidrmuc, 2024. "Does Immigration Affect the Natives’ Mental Health? Causal Evidence from Forced Syrian Migration to Turkey," CESifo Working Paper Series 11399, CESifo.
    12. Nikos Benos & Stelios Karagiannis & Anastasia Litina & Sofia Tsitou, 2026. "Enduring Legacies of Forced Migration: Refugees and Health Behavior in 21st - Century Greece," Discussion Paper Series 2026_07, Department of Economics, University of Macedonia, revised Jul 2026.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development

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