IOM Libya has organized a three-day training on health care assessment to promote the health of migrants transiting through Morocco, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Yemen, and to assist migrants rescued at sea and internally displaced people in Libya.
The training, which took place in Tunis 19-21 July, was part of two IOM projects: “Direct assistance to migrants rescued at sea and tracking displaced populations inside Libya” and “Promoting Health and well-being among migrants transiting through Morocco, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Yemen”, funded by the United Kingdom Aid and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.
The main objective of the training was to support IOM migration management counterparts in the field of promoting the health and welfare of migrants who often leave unprepared for their journey. They often lack food and water and find themselves in vulnerable situations with little access to proper health care.
The 24 participants in the training, included 13 government officials from Libya’s Department for Combatting Illegal Migration (DCIM) and the Libyan Coast Guard; eight health workers from IOM Libya’s implementing partners (STACO and MC); and three IOM doctors.
Speakers from the International Medical Corps, IOM Libya, IOM Tunisia, IOM Morocco, UNSMIL Human Rights and the World Health Organization addressed topics including specific health needs in Libya: health care assessment in detention centres and disembarkation areas; hygiene education and mental health assistance. Participants also collaborated on practical exercises and developed reporting tools.