Features
Eye care among Ghanaian migrants in Finland
My focus today is on eye care and therapy among Ghanaian migrants in Finland, as I continue to move away from the subject of personalities or groups and their accomplishments within the Ghanaian community in Finland that I have been writing on.
Eye conditions are remarkably common in the world. Experts say that those who live long enough will experience at least one eye condition during their lifetime. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), globally, at least 1 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment that could have been prevented or has yet to be addressed.
In recent times, I have been thinking about eye problems among Ghanaian migrants in Finland about how they take care of their eyes and their general wellbeing. Health experts say that in the absence of timely detection, reduced or absent eyesight can have long-term personal and economic effects.
Finnish healthcare services
Finland has a very good healthcare delivery system and social services accessible to all residents in the country. Information about healthcare delivery services is provided for every citizen.
Many migrants, including those in the Ghanaian community, are aware of these opportunities and are expected to take advantage of such chances.
Experts say that vision impairment affects people of all ages, with the majority being over the age of 50. Cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors are estimated to be the leading causes of vision impairment; other causes for vision impairment cannot be ignored. Age-related degeneration, glaucoma, long-standing systemic conditions like diabetes causing diabetic retinopathy, infectious diseases of the eye and trauma to the eye are all key causes for vision impairment that need to be addressed.
When it comes to Ghanaian migrants, I have been asking myself what kind of challenges they may face in accessing health information and care services. Do they adhere to calls or requests/invitations to go for check-ups in order to detect health defects early enough to enhance a successful treatment?
Migrants’ vulnerability
Research has shown that migrants or minorities are vulnerable and they face challenges accessing information, including language barriers in Finland. There was potentially lower levels of awareness, perceptions of risk, and misconceptions not addressed in public health guidance and the national response.
Glaucoma is prevalent, and although the Finnish healthcare system covers the whole population and its services are mainly tax-financed, criticism have been levelled at unequal access to care and large variations in the distribution of healthcare services. Research indicates that migrants or people with a culturally and linguistically diverse background face challenges in accessing such information. The Finnish government and health authorities have been promoting digitalisation of personal health records and aspects of healthcare services, although older Russian migrants, for example, face barriers.
Enhancing inclusion
I think Ghanaian migrants in Finland should see the need to adhere to invitations by health personnel to undergo routine medical checks at points in time. I know Ghanaian migrants generally cooperate on such issues.
All the same, I think it is pertinent for migrant associations to help the health authorities and formally create awareness among their members and other migrants, especially in collaboration with some Finnish institutions, for the good of all.
This will no doubt enhance inclusion of migrants in Finnish society. As I wrote previously, the role of migrant associations acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants through participation in the decision-making process and by acting as a representative voice is highly appreciated in Finland.
The social media outlets could be used as an important means for disseminating information and it could be a key medium through which migrant groups or associations and other institutions could educate people.
Thank you!