MSF has responded to countless outbreaks around the world, and we know that public health measures work when they protect everyone and fail when vulnerable populations like migrants are not included.

Additionally, as MSF has highlighted on several occasions, US migration policies implemented by Mexico, such as the so-called Migrant Protection Protocol (MPP), jeopardise the lives of those forced to await the processing of their asylum claim in Mexico. These people find themselves trapped in a dangerous limbo, and their vulnerability increases with the expansion of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the coronavirus continues to spread, we are monitoring the country’s health needs, while organising our response to maintain and scale up the comprehensive medical services being provided in Mexico. However, we are concerned with the impact that this pandemic will have in a context where people do not have regular access to medical services and are living in precarious conditions that enable the virus to spread.

“We have increased our medical activities in Matamoros due to the lack of comprehensive care inside the camp, where around 2,000 asylum seekers live,” said Dr Beltrán. “We are providing physical and mental health services, and health promotion activities. Despite these efforts, it is clear that it is impossible to properly implement infection prevention measures, such as disinfecting public spaces, frequent hand washing, and social distancing, in a place where entire families sleep together in a single tent.”