Health is an important prerequisite for a successful integration. According to the National Board of Health, a estimate of 20-30 percent of asylum seekers and newcomer migrants suffer from psychological illness. Post-traumatic stress disorder is higher among asylum seekers than within the rest of the population and mental illness is common among asylum seeking children, especially unaccompanied children. The Swedish Government will therefore fund initiatives to promote mental health for newly arrived and asylum seekers.

The Red Cross will receive more than SEK 1.9 million (190.000) for the development and strengthening of health-promoting activities for newcomers. The project will continue until 2020."For the government, it is about quickly getting newcomers into work, education and in the society as a whole. We must ensure that there is support and assistance for those who carry trauma from war, torture and other traumatic experiences", says Minister of Social Affairs Annika Strandhäll.

Furthermore, the government has commissioned the Public Health Authority to map the asylum seekers' and newly arrived children's mental health, in connection with a study of school children's health habits."We need more knowledge, especially about the wellness of newly arrived children", adds the minister.