5 September, 2013 In a joint initiative, the International Organization for Migration in Tajikistan (IOM),  the Migration Service,  and Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tajikistan in Dushanbe  held  a workshop for 20 Migration Service on the health of migrant workers. The purpose of the workshop was to increase the role of Migration Service in the implementation of measures aimed at improving the health of migrants.

Specialists from the Ministry of Health of RT acquainted participants with the epidemiological situation of the country, and with existing national programs for migrant worker health. Staff of the International Organization for Migration and the International Labour Organisation explained international standards towards improving migrant worker access to health services, and presented research on the health issues of Tajik migrant workers. Under provision of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria in Tajikistan, staff of the Migration Service of the RT gained knowledge about the vulnerability of migrants to infectious diseases, and became acquainted with available services for migrants.  

Practical sessions on the promotion of healthy lifestyles using interactive methods with adult audiences on the prevention of sexually transmitted infections , HIV and TB, were paid special attention to. Cooperation between Migration Service, the Ministry of Health,  and the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Tajikistan to improve migrants' access to prevention information , and improve referrals of migrants to healthcare were discussed.

According to participants, the workshop was timely and interesting. Migration Service experts proposed regular events with the participation of other agencies and departments, as well as with international experts in order to raise awareness and improve cooperation towards strengthening the health of migrant workers.

The seminar was held within the framework of the project, Prevention of HIV among migrant workers and their families in Tajikistan, with the financial support of UNDP under the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria in Tajikistan.