The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many deaths and made others sick. It is, indeed, putting a huge burden on healthcare systems in many countries.

The economic and health effect of the pandemic has hit communities in different ways in many sectors, and migrants and other minority or marginalised populations have become more vulnerable.

In Finland, there are strategies for people, including migrants, can access and utilise the opportunities in the Finnish social and health system. Many migrants, including those in the Ghanaian community, are aware of these opportunities and are taking advantage of the opportunities.

Structural problems

Research and media reports have shown in many countries that there are structural or societal factors that result in quite high rates of infection among migrants, when compared with the majority population.

It is suggested that for example language barrier, the nature of the work of migrants in professions where working from home is not possible, etc.

Overall, many people (and not just migrants) have lost their jobs or seen their income reduced drastically when their work schedules were slashed because many companies struggled to make sales during the lockdowns.

Many Ghanaian migrants have looked for different ways to make ends meet and they continue to look for avenues to bounce back with their economic resources. 

Adhering to safety protocols

In all this, Ghanaian migrants and others continue to make great efforts to avoid becoming infected with the disease by adhering to the safety protocols such as social distancing, not hugging or shaking hands, wearing of masks, regularly washing of hands or using hand sanitisers, etc.

As vaccines are being administered to people, I can imagine how many Ghanaian migrants here have embraced the vaccination, which is to help control or minimise the effect of the virus on patients.

According to key health institutions and experts, vaccines are an important part of mitigating the effects of COVID-19 as they reduce the severity of the symptoms in case one becomes infected.

Some friends here and elsewhere have taken the first and second shots and are doing okay. They are so elated to have had that opportunity. They can have opportunities once they have life, and COVID-19 cannot stop them if they keep safe.

Social networks, migrant associations and information

Social networks of family, friends, and migrants associations have become important points for securing information and education about the corona virus situation among migrants. These networks create an important social capital as well as an outlet for sharing and gaining information or knowledge.

Public agencies, migrant associations and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Finland have been publishing information to help educate people about preventing corona virus infections.

Social media has become an important outlet for disseminating information and many migrant groups or associations are using these platforms and virtual meetings to educate their members.

Generally, migrant associations formally create awareness among their members and other migrants, usually in collaboration with some Finnish institutions, and are thus an important tool for several migrants to be positively active and to get their interest and claims heard.

As I wrote previously, the role of migrant associations acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants through participation in the decision making process and by acting as a representative voice is highly appreciated in Finland.

A positive outlook

Ghanaian migrants in Finland are generally keeping a positive mind and hoping for things to get better in the near future with the COVID-19 situation.

They know that the Finnish healthcare system, one of the best in the world, has a comprehensive healthcare service that caters for every resident in the country.

Migrants know that as residents they can count on and readily access good healthcare service delivery in Finland. That’s all!