Roma & Right to Health

The goal of the project was to provide the opportunity for free rapid testing and to raise awareness among Roma communities about HIV and Hepatitis B and C. The scope of the interventions also included providing individual counseling to people living with HIV and liver patients, as well as connecting beneficiaries to the national healthcare system.

As part of the empowerment actions, the following activities were carried out:

Free HIV and Hepatitis B and C testing.
Counseling and information provision regarding:
⇒Sexual education
⇒ Family planning
⇒ Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases
Mobile unit visits to Roma communities in 17 areas of Attica and other regions, including:
⇒ Ano Liosia
⇒ Zephyri
⇒ Menidi
⇒ Amaliada
⇒ Patras
⇒ Aitoliko
⇒ Agrinio
⇒ Aspropyrgos
⇒ Megara
⇒ Koropi
⇒ Spata
⇒ Pallini
⇒ Lavrio
⇒ Saronikos
⇒ Orestiada
⇒ Didymoteicho
⇒ Alexandroupoli
A press conference was held to present the epidemiological and anthropological findings of the project, titled: Roma and the Right to Health – A Journey of Prevention for HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis.

From 2015 to 2016, a total of 1,332 tests for HIV, 1,325 tests for Hepatitis B, and 1,352 tests for Hepatitis C were conducted (4,009 tests in total). A large number of individuals from local communities received information and support on sexual and reproductive health issues. The trust in health structures was strengthened, and the connection of Roma communities with prevention and treatment services was facilitated. Lastly, efforts were made to combat stigma and marginalization of Roma through targeted and culturally tailored health interventions.

The project was implemented by the Positive Voice Association of People Living with HIV in Greece and Promitheas.