In terms of pre-existing illnesses during transit, Diabetes, Asthma, Epilepsy, and Obesity were frequently mentioned, and 88% said that they have some medical need due to the journey, the most common being acute diarrhea–possibly related to water quality (35%). Twenty-eight percent have foot injuries, 14% reported respiratory symptoms (possible ARI), another 14% mentioned a combination of respiratory infections and acute diarrheal disease, and finally, one person mentioned having Zika during the trip.
Among those interviewed in Necoclí, 10% considered COVID-19 infection a health concern among refugees and migrants in transit. Fifty percent of those polled in Acandí and Capurganá reported that they had neither COVID symptoms nor tested positive, with 36% unsure. Only 2% reported having had COVID during transit.
However, based on the information from Forum organizations and other organizations in the region, the most requested care among those arriving in Nariño at Ipiales's transport terminal included "care for pregnant women, pathologies such as infectious diseases, muscle disorders, and many suspected Covid- 19 respiratory symptoms that have even required referral to the Civil Hospital in Ipiales" [Doctors of the World France report, Sept. 2021], especially in the latter half of 2022.
There are many reasons why those in transit do not report their infections or symptoms. As explained, many people leave their host countries for a third country because of waves of discrimination. The fear of additional restrictions on transportation, ticket purchasing, or care sways people not to report these situations.
Fourteen percent report being vaccinated, especially those in transit from Chile or Uruguay.
Regarding mental health, 21% of the people interviewed in Necoclí reported a severe mental health problem among refugees and migrants in transit. Thirty-six percent of the key informants said they require specialized medical attention to cope with their current situation.