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Description
The Strategy for Roma Integration 2012-2020 of Pazardjik District shows that respiratory and circulatory system diseases are the top causes of the morbidity rate in the area. The main priorities of the Health Strategy are as follows: ensure equal access to health services of socially disadvantaged people, develop the role of health mediators and raise health knowledge and provide access to health information. The project aims at introducing innovative (new or improved) methods and approaches for the needs of the vulnerable groups. The goal is to empower Roma health mediators in Pazardjik District to carry out early screening of the Roma community to prevent major diseases. Health events with lectures on health issues will be held. Thus, equal access to health services will be provided and Roma awareness of health issues will be raised. A survey with statistical data will be carried out based on the results from the medical checkups during the health event. It has been proved that Covid-19 might be associated with severe complications in people with chronic comorbid conditions. The project promotes the treatment of chronic conditions and thus contributes to reducing the negative consequences of Covid-19. Public hospitals will also have part of their burden lifted after free-of-charge screening of the Roma community is carried out. The target group is 12 Roma mediators and the direct users are 20350 Roma.
Summary of project results
The aim of the project was to empower Roma health mediators in Pazardzhik district to conduct early screenings within the Roma population for the prevention of socially significant diseases.
Health mediators from Septemvri, Velingrad, Rakitovo, Bratsigovo, and Pazardzhik received training, after which they participated in health exhibitions alongside local doctors and volunteers. This initiative provided access to health services for nearly 1,000 people.
Additionally, mobile teams were deployed with a health mediator to help overcome prejudices and mistrust toward stationary ambulance teams, ensuring greater outreach within Roma neighborhoods.
The results of the medical screenings were systematized, revealing concerning health trends:
- Over 40% of examined individuals had high blood pressure.
- 8% had blood sugar levels above 11, requiring immediate treatment.
- 73% were overweight, and 34% were diagnosed with first-degree obesity.
The findings confirmed that being overweight is a major risk factor for COVID-19 complications, emphasizing the need for targeted health interventions in these communities.
The pandemic situation, along with fear of vaccination and medical professionals, resulted in fewer check-ups than initially planned. However, thanks to the involvement of mediators and numerous volunteers, efforts to support the Roma community continue beyond the project''s implementation.
Information about the project is available on the Foundation’s website: https://adra.bg/en/give-roma-health/.
To ensure the project’s sustainability, equipment and consumables for the screening of socially significant diseases were purchased and provided to the municipality of Pazardzhik. This allows trained Roma mediators, who have already received theoretical and practical training in working with minority groups, to continue offering regular and competent consultations and initial medical check-ups within Roma communities.