The Italian Minister for Family, Natality and Equal Opportunities, through UNAR, has launched a €2.7 million project aimed at strengthening health literacy among Roma and Sinti communities. The initiative is coordinated by the Catholic University of Rome, with the support of the Italian Red Cross and the National Blood Centre.
Aim and objectives:
The project aims to improve healthcare integration, reduce health inequalities, identify the most critical issues through a targeted survey, and promote equitable access to quality health and social care services by removing barriers to care and providing clear, reliable, and accessible health information.
Target group:
The project targets Roma and Sinti communities, with particular attention to children, women, young people, persons with disabilities, and individuals in socio-economic or health vulnerability. It also involves healthcare and social care professionals, local facilitators, local authorities, and health services through training and awareness-raising activities.
Method:
The project combines data collection, needs assessment, and culturally appropriate interventions. It analyses sociodemographic and housing conditions, general health status, access to healthcare services, prevention and screening, vaccination status, mental health, lifestyles, blood donation and transfusion, and sexual health.
It also includes the development of the “Info Salute Rom e Sinti” portal, social media channels, a virtual helpdesk, and training activities for healthcare professionals on Roma and Sinti culture and access to the National Health Service.
Particular attention will also be devoted to identifying and analysing sex and gender disparities.
Outcomes:
The expected outcomes include improved access to healthcare services, increased awareness of prevention, greater capacity of communities to use available health services, stronger trust between users and providers, and better evidence to inform future policies and interventions.
Added value:
The project combines research, health education, digital communication, service guidance, and professional training. The partnership between the Catholic University of Rome, the Italian Red Cross, the National Institute of Health, and the National Blood Centre ensures scientific quality, territorial outreach, and potential replicability in other vulnerable contexts.
