HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM

The program “Health Education – Public health campaigns in Roma communities” generated important results in increasing access to prevention and in reducing the barriers that limit vulnerable people’s use of medical services. Through the projects implemented under this program, SASTIPEN carried out information, education, and awareness campaigns, screening actions, and interventions that facilitated access to preventive medical services, helping change health-related behaviors and strengthen a culture of prevention in communities.

The results are relevant and measurable: more than 532 injecting drug users and 54 sex workers benefited from harm reduction and reproductive health services in Ferentari; in Neamț County, 56 IEC events were organized in 23 communities, informing more than 18,000 people about tuberculosis, while 276 suspected cases were referred to medical services; the “Rode to Sastipe(N)” campaign reached around 10,000 people in 6 counties; through the SCCUT project, SASTIPEN organized 268 local campaigns, informed more than 95,000 people, mobilized more than 12,000 for screening, and supported 1,856 people who received a diagnosis; in the ROCCAS II project, 290 campaigns were organized, more than 50,000 people were informed, and more than 18,000 were mobilized for screening.

The impact of the program is reflected in increased use of preventive services, in the stronger role of health mediators, and in improved relationships between communities and the public healthcare system. Through community mobilization, culturally adapted messages, and partnerships with authorities and physicians, SASTIPEN contributed to reducing health inequalities, combating misinformation, and promoting more equitable access to prevention and medical care.