Features
Migrant health, wellbeing in Finland
TODAY, I focus on the theme of health and wellbeing among migrants in Finland, a move away from the topic of personalities or groups and their accomplishments within the Ghanaian community in Finland that I have been writing on.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused many deaths and sickness. Reports say the pandemic has resulted in a decline in the health, welfare and working ability of the migrant population. COVID-19 put a huge burden on healthcare systems in many countries, including Finland. Finland has a very good healthcare delivery system and social services accessible to all residents in the country. Many migrants, including those in the Ghanaian community, are aware of these opportunities and are expected to take advantage of such chances.
The focus of NGOs and migrant associations
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (see www.who.int).
As I wrote some time ago, a healthy migrant community is beneficial to the society as a whole. In Finland, public agencies, migrant associations and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been giving health information in various channels—webinars, mass media (radio, TV, as well as the new media and others). Such actions are very helpful to the people.
It has been pointed out that factors that improve health and wellbeing must be supported. Migrants’ health and wellbeing are affected by many factors, including cultural ideas of health, illnesses, and the prevention, treatment and symptoms of illnesses (see www.thl.fi).
Advocacy by the civil society sector
I have recently been making inquiries about migrants’ health and wellbeing in Finland. Many people see the need for advocacy, to intensify education and create more awareness about health and wellbeing of migrants in Finland. NGOs and other organisations as part of the civil society sector play a crucial role in supporting migrant health in Finland, completing public services by offering legal advice, mental health support, and specialised services for vulnerable groups.
Such NGOs and social groups, including migrant associations, offer specialised support for migrant women, while others are involved in activities that address social exclusion issues that impact health. Research and other reports indicate that NGOs and other social institutions advocate for the involvement of individuals and communities in health decision-making. It has been pointed out that migrants’ involvement in health decision-making requires explicit national policies that are implemented evenly across policy-making.
Integration
According to the Finnish health department, health and wellbeing are an important part of the integration process. Hence, it is accepted that factors to improve health and wellbeing must be supported. Generally, migrant associations help the health authorities and formally create awareness among their members and other migrants, usually in collaboration with some Finnish institutions, and are thus an important tool for several migrants to be positively active and to get their interest and concerns heard.
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 have become 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.
A positive outlook on the Finnish healthcare system
As I keep saying, Ghanaian and other African migrants in Finland generally have a positive mind and hope for the best in life. They know that the Finnish healthcare system, one of the best in the world, has a comprehensive healthcare service that caters for every resident in the country.
Migrants know that as residents, they can count on and readily access good healthcare service delivery in Finland. All they need to do is to go for regular medical checks and counselling since early diagnosis is key in the treatment of any illness. Adhering to treatment at the hospital rather than assigning spiritual interpretations to their health problems will not help anyone.
By Perpetual Crentsil
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I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
