Description
This project aims to reach out to the Roma communities in 11 areas of Greece: in Attica (Megara, Aspropyrgos, Koropi, Menidi and Liosia), outside of Attica (Korinthos, Patra and Karditsa) and in remote areas, such as Thrace. It focuses on awareness raising, including through the actual enjoyment of health rights. More specifically, the projects main goals are (a) to increase the knowledge and awareness of the targeted population on HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C, (b) to perform examinations for HIV and hepatitis B and C with the use of rapid test, (c) to provide counseling services to people with HIV/AIDS, (d) to link people with HIV/AIDS with the public health system, and (e) to collect and analyze statistical data regarding HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C per community and geographical area. This project is implemented in partnership with the Hellenic Liver Patient Association “Prometheus”.
Summary of project results
The project was a part of a cooperating platform of the Greek Association of People Living with HIV "Positive Voice" with the Hellenic Liver Patients Association "Prometheus", aiming to approach Roma communities in Greece. Roma population is one of the most marginalized social groups in Greece and in Europe. Social exclusion experienced by them has an impact on their relationship with government structures such as the national health system. Thus it becomes extremely difficult to disseminate information for issues related to sex education and health. In this context, the project "Roma and the Right to Health" attempted to map and to reach Roma communities throughout Greece in order to inform the population on these issues and provide the opportunity for free HIV and hepatitis B and C testing. A total of 1,895 beneficiaries got tested. At the same time, by filling in questionnaires, project partners gathered data related to demographics of the Roma, their economic and social situation and how those elements are connected to and influence their knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about the prevention and sex education.
Summary of bilateral results