At least 40 migration health experts from IOM offices around the world are meeting at Kabira Country Club in Kampala, to share ideas and best practices on data validation and statistical reporting.

 

Migration and health are intricately linked, and IOM’s Migration Health Divisions are some of the organization’s most reputable arms anywhere in the world. But in order to remain on top of their game, IOM’s health experts must constantly review and renew their skills and challenge their knowledge through interaction with peers.

 

The data validation and reporting workshop at Kabira started on Monday 31 July and ends on Friday 4 August. It is the third, with a spotlight on Africa. The first global training workshop was held in Manila, Philippines, in 2015, followed another in Amman, Jordan, in 2016.

 

 

Speaking at the opening session of the workshop on Monday, IOM Uganda Chief of Mission Ali Abdi reiterated the importance of data to migration health work, and of accuracy to IOM as an organization that prizes efficiency.

 

“Health Assessment is one of the core services that IOM provides to its beneficiaries, and it is a requirement prior to granting visas for major migrant-recipient countries,” Mr Abdi said. “I believe this workshop provides a great platform for you to share your technical expertise and experiences and best practices, and help further streamline our processes.”

 

Some of the participants who spoke to this writer spoke highly of their host, the Migration Health Assessment Centre.

 

“Your division here is doing a very good job, and it looks really well structured,” said Ivan Froes from Ukraine, during a visit to MHAC at Plot 47, Bukoto Crescent. “I am thinking of taking some ideas back home; I like the setup very much.”