People who move: new reproductive health focus.

People move for many different reasons and their circumstances vary widely. Still they are alike in three important ways: 1) Disruption: Most have left behind the support of traditional values extended families friends and familiar ways of life. With limited means they face new and uncertain situations. 2) Differences: Culture and language often set them apart from their new neighbors. Reproductive attitudes and behavior often differ as well. 3) Difficulties of access: Many are ineligible for health care benefits unfamiliar with family planning programs and unable to obtain information easily. An estimated 16 million people migrate each year from rural to urban areas of developing countries excluding China accounting for about half of recent urban growth. In addition about 2 to 4 million people migrate internationally each year. Another 18 million people--over five times the number 20 years ago--have fled their own countries as refugees. Also about 20 million people are internally displaced. They have fled their communities and sought safety elsewhere within their own countries. (excerpt)