Country Code
NA

MIDSA Workshop on Promoting Health and Development: Migration Health in Southern Africa

IOM in partnership with the Southern Africa Migration Project (SAMP) and in special collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) organised a Migration Dialogue for Southern Africa (MIDSA) on Promoting Health and Development: Migration Health in Southern Africa from 10 to 12 June 2009 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The MIDSA was hosted by the Government of Tanzania with the main objective being to work towards the implementation of the WHA 61.17 resolution ‘Health of Migrants’ within the SADC region. The specific objectives of the MIDSA were outlined as follows:

Regional assessment on HIV prevention needs of migrants and mobile populations in Southern Africa

A report of findings from an eight-country assessment of the HIV prevention needs of migrants and mobile populations in the SADC region.  The assessment focused primarily on labour migrants employed in the agriculture, mining, transport, construction, informal cross border trade, as well as irregular migrants at a secondary level.

Content:

United Kingdom Tuberculosis Detection Programme (UKTBP)

At the request of the Government of the United Kingdom, IOM implements the Tuberculosis (TB) Detection Programme for visa applicants who intend to stay in the UK for a period of 6 months or longer. The main purpose of the programme is to address public health concerns regarding the spread of infectious tuberculosis in the UK by preventing the entry of people suffering from active TB until they have been successfully treated, as well as to facilitate access to diagnostics and referrals for treatment in the migrants’ countries of origin.

Health Assessments in Africa

The goals of this project are to guarantee, through appropriate medical screening planning, monitoring and support, that a number of eligible refugees consistent with the annual admission quota undergo the medical examination process within the duly timeframe. The project also aims to improve the quality of the medical clearance process through analysis, processing and dissemination of data included in OF 157 forms, enhanced follow-up of medical cases, reduced prevalence of untreated malaria and intestinal parasitosis.

Research on Health Vulnerabilities of Mobile Populations and Affected Communities in Selected Ports of Southern Africa

The proposed research project aims to address this gap by undertaking research, in selected port communities of southern Africa. The first component, Strategic Information, will aim to strengthen the evidence base for future interventions in HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support addressing the specific needs of sea-going personnel, sex workers, and other vulnerable groups they interact with in selected ports in southern Africa.