Migration and Transnational Health Care: Connecting Finland and Somaliland

Abstrakti

The article connects research fi ndings regarding key dimensions of in-Finland care for Somali patients with fi ndings regarding treatments sought by transnational migrants in Somaliland. Finnish physicians do not possess an accurate picture of the extent to which Somali patients rely upon, or do not utilize, traditional approaches and transnational healing. Transnational networks offer an important resource for an ill Somali migrant, both practically and as a source of hope. However, Somali patients typically are silent about transnational healing experiences and Western physicians do not normally show interest in nonbiomedical resources and sources of resiliency. Western health-care providers need to approach each patient’s lived world in a holistic manner with transnational imagination, appreciation, and augmentation.