Migration Health

This page compiles the main migration health initiatives by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Rwanda.

Migration Health Assessments and Travel Health Assistance

At the request of receiving country governments, IOM Rwanda 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. 

IOM Rwanda’s Migration Health Assessment Center (MHAC) in Kigali provides health assessment services and travel assistance service mainly for migrants and refugees traveling temporarily or permanently to the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, France, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Belgium and Finland. The health assessment is conducted by highly trained and experienced migration health physicians and nurses based on the protocols defined by the resettlement or admitting countries. As of March 2022, IOM Rwanda has medically assessed 18,700 refugees and has done 9,970 pre-departure medical screenings.

Improving National EVD and COVID-19 Preparedness and Surveillance Measures in Rwanda

IOM Rwanda contributes to the Government of Rwanda’s efforts to prevent and respond to the Ebola virus disease (EVD) and the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). IOM implements two projects, funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) and the Government of Japan respectively. Through these projects, IOM, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Rwanda Biomedical Centre, is contributing to strengthen surveillance at Points of Entries, increase capacity building of key Government officials and health care workers and increase awareness amongst communities.