Outreach Infectious Disease Screening Trial for the International Community
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Outreach Infectious Disease Screening Trial for the International Community
□ In March 2026, Busan Metropolitan City undertook a pilot outreach program for infectious disease screenings targeting foreign residents.
○ Although the number of migrant employees and international students has recently increased in Busan, which is dedicated to becoming a global hub, many face difficulties accessing medical facilities because of occupational demands or language barriers.
○ Accordingly, a proactive infectious disease screening model is being rolled out for the first time to directly engage vulnerable foreign groups who may fall into healthcare blind spots, allowing illnesses to be detected early and bolstering the community health safety net.
□ By incorporating previously separate services, it improves convenience for foreign residents and strengthens preventive health behaviors.
○ Foreign residents in Busan are eligible for checkups covering leprosy, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections, parasitic infections, and hepatitis B and C, facilitating prompt diagnosis and follow-ups for suspected cases.
□ Assessments are carried out through step-by-step cooperation between the city and associated organizations.
○ Busan oversees strategies and overall operations; the Busan Foreign Residents Center and the Busan Support Center for Foreign Workers are responsible for publicity, participant identification and encouragement, and venue arrangements.
○ Partners also include the Korea Hansen Welfare Association, the Korean National Tuberculosis Association, the Korea Association of Health Promotion, and the Korea Federation for HIV/AIDS Prevention.
○ District and county health centers conduct awareness campaigns and on-site education.
□ The first session is slated for March 29 at the Busan Foreign Residents Center in Sasang-gu, together with the Division of Tuberculosis Policy of the Korea Disease Control & Prevention Agency.
○ Subsequent quarterly appointments in June, September, and November are coordinated with companies affiliated with the Busan Support Center for Foreign Workers, providing custom assistance to match workplace needs.
□ A preparatory meeting was held on March 9.
□ Following this year’s implementation, Busan will review testing data and devise countermeasures against public health threats, to stop the spread of infections and reinforce Busan as a ‘city resilient to contagious diseases.’
□ Mayor Park Heong-joon remarked, “Foreign residents are undoubtedly members of our society and indispensable to a robust economy. We must protect their well-being. We will consolidate communicable disease screening alongside pertinent entities so that foreigners will be able to settle and thrive in Busan.”
Schedule
Sunday, March 29, Busan Foreign Residents Center (Sasang-gu)
Organizers: Busan Metropolitan City, Korea Disease Control & Prevention Agency
Sunday, June 28, Busan Support Center for Foreign Workers (Gangseo-gu)
Organizer: Busan Metropolitan City
Sunday, September 18, Busan Foreign Residents Center (Sasang-gu)
Organizer: Busan Metropolitan City
Sunday, November 29, Busan Support Center for Foreign Workers (Saha-gu)
Organizer: Busan Metropolitan City
