Dupe Alabede and Gina Bianca Stapper attended a worshop organised by LVG & AFS Nds. HB e. V. on diversity-sensitive healthcare, covering sexuality and diversity in care settings (with Hannah Burgmeier & Hanna Pawel of vielfältig. GmbH) and gender-sensitive healthcare systems, illustrated through the gaps in breast cancer screening for trans*, intersex, and non-binary people (with Dr. Dr. Mo Urban of ZGF Bremen). This was a strong reminder that intersectional, structural barriers, which goes beyond individual attitudes shapes who gets seen, diagnosed, and cared for in the health systems.

Refugees often have increased medical care needs after arriving in Germany. However, they face various barriers when accessing health care. Analyses of the IAB-BAMF-SOEP survey of refugees for the years 2023 and 2024 show that perceived wait times, long distances, and financial barriers limit access to appropriate care in the first few years after arrival. In addition, navigating the complex German healthcare system poses difficulties for many refugees, such as finding professional help, understanding medical procedures, or undergoing preventive checkups. These challenges affect refugees from both Ukraine and other countries of origin, though they vary depending on the length of stay. The findings underscore the importance of low-threshold support services, such as those provided by health navigators. Removing legal and organizational barriers to access makes sense not only from a health perspective but also from an economic one: Delayed or missed treatments increase the risk of avoidable follow-up costs. Restrictions on the legal right to health care, on the other hand, carry the risk of further gaps in care.
In: DIW Weekly Report 93 (2026), 22, pp. 331–337

Link to the issue: https://www.diw.de/de/diw_01.c.1009027.de/publikationen/wochenberichte/2026_22/heft.html

June 20, 2026:
Public Citizens’ Forum: “Take Action Against Discrimination in Health Care! On Barriers, Prejudices, and Opportunities for Change.” An event as part of the “Future Discourse” project “Discrimination in Health Care—Expertise and Experiences Related to Racism, Disability, and Gender.” Through this event, we aim not only to raise awareness of various forms of discrimination in the healthcare system but also to highlight existing structures, initiatives, and stakeholders in and around Hanover.
For more information, please visit the VHS Hannover website.