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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