This seminar is hosted by the International Migration Institute, an Oxford Martin School Institute

Speaker: Jo Vearey, African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS), University of the Witwatersrand

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is associated with high levels of population mobility, a high prevalence of communicable diseases – notably HIV and TB - and increasing urban populations yet appropriate urban health responses are lacking. The city of Johannesburg, South Africa, presents a unique space within which to explore the complex relationship between migration and mobility, urban health and inequality within SADC. Johannesburg is one of the most unequal cities globally and presents a complex web of interlinked urban health challenges, including HIV and TB. Internal South African migrants and cross-border migrants from elsewhere in the region contribute to a growing population of the ‘urban poor’ in the city; many reside in unsafe, substandard, informal housing in the central-city and periphery, are reliant on fragile livelihood activities, and face challenges in accessing basic services – including public healthcare.

A drinks reception will follow this lecture

About the speaker

Jo Vearey is a Senior Researcher at the African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS), University of the Witwatersrand and holds a Senior Fellowship at the Centre for Peace, Development and Democracy at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. With a commitment to social justice and the development of pro-poor policy responses, Jo's current research explores international, regional, national and local responses to migration, health, and urban vulnerabilities. Her research interests focus on urban health, public health, migration and health, the social determinants of health, HIV, and sex work. She has published articles in a wide range of international peer-reviewed journals and produced several chapters for edited book collections.