Methodologies and Innovations for Improving Coordination of Support Services for Migrants in Central America

In 2023, the US-Mexico border saw an unprecedented surge in migrant encounters fueled by factors like rising violence, economic hardships, and climate-related displacement, reaching a historic peak of 2.5 million. Despite enhanced border security measures, migrants from areas beyond Mexico and Northern Central America now constitute over half of irregular U.S arrivals, prompting significant shifts in demographics and creating new challenges for service providers catering to migrants’ needs. Amidst the escalating humanitarian crisis driven by a surge in displaced populations, urgent interventions are crucial to improve the coordination and implementation of support service provision. 

In response, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), in collaboration with the SIPA Capstone team, launched a strategic project aimed at enhancing the implementation of support services for migrants in the region. The analysis focused on three core themes: humanitarian needs, the service provision landscape, and the current humanitarian response. Key research questions included emerging migration trends, identifying current gaps and associated opportunities for a more comprehensive and effective humanitarian response to evolving public health realities, and upcoming Mexican and U.S. elections. Employing a multifaceted approach encompassing desk research and key informant interviews, the Capstone team identified opportunities for improving information-sharing and stakeholder coordination. Specifically, the team provided key insights related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and the adoption of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) that could help alleviate humanitarian organizations’ challenges related to coordination, information-sharing, and continuity of care for migrants on the move.