The Migrant Health Liaison Office within the Primary HealthCare (PHC) addresses the health needs of population groups coming from different cultural backgrounds and who are often unfamiliar with the Maltese health care system. This office manages issues such as language barriers and challenges faced by healthcare professionals due to cultural differences in the explanation for the cause of disease and the interpretation of symptoms. Cultural diversity in health care poses a challenge to service providers who need to manage complex differences in communication styles, attitudes as well as expectations.
The Migrant Health Liaison Office has an active role in:
1. Promoting Cultural Competence within Primary HealthCare
2. Health education for migrants
3. Training for cultural mediators
4. Support cultural mediators working at PHC
5. Participation in EU projects
6. Assistance and support for migrant women and girls who are at risk of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
7. Training for health Professionals on cross-cultural care
A GP service has also been set up by the Primary HealthCare within the premises of the Detention Service to address the health needs of migrants.
Telephone numbers: 00356-25576188
Email: marika.poddaconnor@gov.mt
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