576 The effects of food insecurity and limited healthcare access on the health and well-being of cross-border migrants in Musina Town, South Africa: an exploratory study

Abstract OP 36: Challenges and Opportunities for Health 2, B207 (FCSH), September 5, 2025, 10:15 - 11:15 Background Cross-border migrants in South Africa, mainly from Africa, face food insecurity and health issues due to unstable jobs, low incomes, and limited access to social protections. Barriers to benefits like grants, food, and healthcare worsen their health and increase vulnerability. Methodology The study employed a mixed-methods approach that included qualitative and quantitative data collection. It involved triangulating information from 628 survey interviews and 64 in-depth interviews with migrants. The study used a purposive sampling method for key informant interviews, while random sampling was employed for the migrants’ in-depth interviews and the qualitative follow-up interviews. The survey data was collected using REDCap and analysed using SPSS, while the qualitative data was analysed thematically using Atlas.Ti. Key Findings The preliminary findings reveal the challenging living conditions, unstable employment, food insecurities, and restricted access to healthcare services that migrants face, which negatively affect their health and well-being. Moreover, the results indicate that cross-border migrants in Musina town receive limited social support and often experience mistreatment and harassment from healthcare providers. Although Section 27 of the South African Constitution emphasises that everyone has the right to healthcare, food, water, and social assistance, many cross-border migrants do not benefit from these rights. All these factors contribute to migrants’ experiences of depression, stress, and anxiety as they navigate their daily lives to cope with their challenging experiences in the host country. Recommendation The South African government must implement robust policies that ensure social protection and access to essential services, including healthcare and food rations, to address the health and well-being challenges faced by cross-border migrants.