Epidemiological data are not sufficient to describe and explain the health conditions of the immigrant population living in Italy with or without an official stay permit. Present information flows are numerous but insufficient and inadequate, lacking any connection with the survey of socio-demographic data and the needs of some groups of users who are in particularly vulnerable conditions. Through the results of a study conducted on data of the Social Information System of the Caritas Diocesana of Rome, the necessity to support and promote the creation of integrated socio-health information systems clearly emerges.only subscribers can see the full article