Ghanaian Diaspora making a contribution to a better health sector in Ghana

In January 2005 the International Organization for Migration (IOM) started the MIDA Ghana Health Project in cooperation with the Ghanaian Ministry of Health and the Dutch embassy in Accra. The objective of the project is to contribute to the development of the health sector in Ghana. This is realized in two ways. On the one hand, Ghanaian and other African migrants living and working in the Netherlands and other EU countries can transfer knowledge, skills and experience through temporary assignments in Ghana. On the other hand, health workers from Ghana have the opportunity to do specialized training at health care institutions in the Netherlands.

Ghana currently faces a severe brain drain of professional health workers, such as medical doctors and nurses. The consequences of the brain drain are enormous, in particular for the quality of health care. The MIDA Ghana Health Project tries to make a contribution to the improvement of human resources in health care and thereby helping to mitigate the effects of the brain drain.

IOM International Organization for Migration

The project is carried out by IOM. This organization?s activities include the transportation, the assistance and resettlement of migrants throughout the world. IOM is based in over 100 countries and cooperates with (inter)governmental and civil society organizations. MIDA Ghana Health is carried out within the framework of IOM?s MIDA programme. MIDA stands for ?Migration for Development in Africa?.

Who can apply for the project?

The following groups can participate in the project:

• Ghanaians and other members of the African community living and working in the European Union with a relevant background in health care or a related field. These include medical doctors, nurses, dentists, paramedics, hospital technicians, hospital administrators and professionals in finance, management or information technology;
• health workers from Ghana, including medical doctors, nurses, administrators and technicians;
• hospitals in Ghana. Special attention will be given to the northern region;
• health institutions in the European Union.

How does the project work?

Based on the specific needs of hospitals in Ghana, members of the diaspora can carry out missions once or participate in repeated visits to Ghana or transfer knowledge virtually. On average, the assignments last between several weeks and several months. Hospitals in Ghana can identify candidates to be sent to the Netherlands for further training. These internships can last between two weeks and three months.

What are the requirements for participation?

The general conditions for taking part in the project are:

• Ghanaian or other West African background or nationality;
• age between 25 and 50 years old;
• educational and professional background in health care or related field with at least five year?s relevant working experience;
• good communication skills;
• preferably teaching experience.

What does IOM offer?

• Members of the diaspora who temporarily work in Ghana will receive a financial package which covers the costs of travel, a daily living allowance, travel insurance and visa. Expenses in Ghana such as for accommodation and local transportation will be covered by the Ghanaian Ministry of Health and/or the host institution in Ghana;
• Health workers in Ghana who take a training course in the Netherlands receive a fellowship. Expenses covered by the fellowship include a monthly living allowance, travel, accommodation, a visa, and health insurance.

Further information or to apply

For further information or to apply for the project please contact Ralph Welcker of IOM (tel. +31-703181500 or iomthehaguemida@iom.int). Members of the African community in Europe can send their CV with the application form and a letter of motivation by mail to the postal address of the IOM office in The Hague. The application form can be downloaded from the IOM website (www.iom-nederland.nl).