[Objectives and activities of the German Federal Working Group on migration and public health].

The 53rd scientific congress of the Federal association of physicians and dentists in the public health services addressed the interdependence of migration and health under the motto "health unlimited" in May, 2003. Manifold interactions between migration and health contribute to the public health services' everyday experiences. Immigrants often encounter manifold obstacles to their access to health services in Germany. These barriers are often of communicative or administrative nature. The system of public health administration and services has, by its very nature, opportunities and assignment a special obligation to support the immigrant population. The public health services will increasingly become guarantors of equal health opportunities in times of cumulative migration and social inequalities. In cooperation with the German Federal Commissioner for Migration, Refugees and Integration the German Federal Working Group on Migration and Public Health acts as facilitator and advocate for health of immigrants to Germany since 1994. A very close co-operation with the public health services and an interdisciplinary, intercultural, population-oriented and health-promoting approach are core elements of the working group that is lobbying the health of a multinational population within the borders of Germany.