Accra – From 14 to 17 November 2023, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ghana, in a collaborative effort to strengthen partnerships and foster shared initiatives, received colleagues from IOM’s Migration Health Division at the Regional Office in Nairobi (MHD RO). The engagements with the Regional Health Assessment Program Coordinator, the Regional Migration Health Nurse Coordinator and the Regional MHD Program Officer aimed to enhance cooperation and further support migration health assessment endeavors in the region.

IOM Chief of Mission for Ghana, Ms. Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, said: "IOM Ghana is committed to providing excellent health services to migrants, refugees and other mobile populations. The exchanges with our colleagues provide an opportunity to showcase the impactful work done by our MHD team, fostering a deeper understanding of our local operations and reinforcing our commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of migrants in Ghana."

The delegation visited IOM Ghana’s Migration Health Assessment Centre in Accra as well as the soon-to-open MHAC Kumasi, IOM’s Canadian Visa Application Centre, and partner institutions such as Akai House Clinic . The team had the opportunity to interact closely with the local staff, gaining firsthand insights into their operations and practices.

IOM Chief Migration Health Officer for Ghana, Dr. Samuel Baghuma, shared insights on the significance of such collaborative engagements, remarking: "These visits allow us to align strategies, share best practices, and identify areas for further improvement. The dedication of the MHD Ghana team is commendable, and these interactions help strengthen our collective efforts in ensuring the well-being of migrants."

The visit culminated in a town hall meeting with the staff of MHD Ghana, allowing for open discussions, sharing of experiences, and fostering a sense of unity and purpose within the organization.

Dmitry Shapovalov, Regional Health Assessment Program Coordinator, IOM Regional Office for Africa, emphasized the value of such meetings: "Interacting directly with our colleagues in Ghana enhances our understanding of their challenges and successes. It's crucial in aligning our goals and ensuring a unified approach in delivering quality services to migrants to achieve universal health coverage."

The exchanges between regional and local IOM colleagues exemplify the commitment to collaboration and knowledge-sharing to improve migration health assessment processes, and reinforce the collective mission of ensuring the health and well-being of migrants.

For more information, please contact Juliane Reissig, Public Information Officer at IOM Ghana Tel: 0302742930 Email: jreissig@iom.int