HPA renews call for Migrant Health Camp organizers

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has once again called for organizations to run Migrant Health Camps for expatriates living in 10 different islands across the Maldives.

This re-announcement comes after the previous attempt to find organizers, on the 24th of last month, failed to attract enough bids.

Foreigners make up a significant portion of the Maldivian population, accounting for over one-third of residents. They are crucial to industries like tourism, construction, health, and education, with roughly 88% of construction workers being foreign nationals.

However, many of these workers face challenges in accessing healthcare and often live in crowded conditions, increasing their vulnerability to illnesses. This situation also raises concerns about the potential spread of diseases such as tuberculosis and filariasis.

The primary goal of these health camps is to identify health issues among these workers, provide necessary treatment, and help prevent the spread of diseases. The camps will offer basic health checks, including blood pressure and sugar tests, and screenings for diseases like TB, hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS. Additionally, the camps aim to educate attendees on hygiene, nutrition, disease prevention, how to easily access health services, and mental health support.

Organizations interested in running these camps should complete the registration form and email it to the Ministry of Health by 1:00 PM on August 26th. 

The health camps will be held in several locations. In the greater Male' area, they will be conducted in Hulhumale', Thilafushi, Villingili, and Male'. Outside this area, camps are planned for L. Gan, H.Dh. Kulhudhuffushi, G.A. Villingili, Lh. Naifaru, S. Hithadhoo, and Fuvahmulah City.

HPA had run similar camps in December 2023 and another in December 2022.