Official Opening of the extended Migration Health Assessment Centre (MHAC)

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in South Africa officially opened the newly extended Migration Health Assessment Centre (MHAC). To ensure provision of quality services and meet demand for migration health services, IOM established an annex with bigger seating capacity, more examination rooms, and more administrative offices. “It is our hope that the additional space and x-ray unit will enable us to provide quality health services to meet the demand of migrants and refugees” said Ms. Lily SANYA – IOM Chief of Mission in South Africa.

In attendance, Ambassador Francis Moloi – Chief Director from Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs directorate at the Department of International Relations and Cooperations (DIRCO), appreciated the efforts by IOM in contributing to providing quality health assessments to ensure that no one is left behind.

The main purpose of the expansion of MHAC is to respond to the growing demand for migration health services in South Africa. In 2022, the MHAC performed over 13 000 medical assessments, an increase of 120% as compared to 2021. The services offered at the centre include medical examinations, chest x-rays, laboratory services, immunisations, Covid -19 testing and counselling.

At the request of migrant and refugee receiving states, IOM provides an evaluation of the physical and mental health status of migrants prior to their departure for the purpose of resettlement, international employment, enrolment in specific migrant assistance programmes or for obtaining a temporary or permanent visa.

“Today more people than ever, live in a country other than the one in which they were born. While many individuals migrate out of choice, many others migrate out of necessity” said Mr. Nelson Muffuh – Resident Coordinator in South Africa.

For more information: Reneilwe Moningi – remoningi@iom.int / +27 82 430 7489