HEALTH MEDIATION PROGRAM

The program “Strengthening the Health Mediation Program for Roma Communities” generated essential results for improving access to health services and for professionalizing one of the most important community interventions in Romania. Through projects implemented between 2009 and 2025, SASTIPEN contributed to the training and qualification of hundreds of health mediators, the development of methodological tools, the creation of technical assistance structures, and the strengthening of cooperation between mediators, local authorities, and the public health system.

The results are substantial: 36 health mediators were trained for IEC campaigns on tuberculosis prevention, 32 community campaigns were organized, and 1,368 people were informed; 100 Roma women were qualified and certified as health mediators, 20 trainers were accredited, and 20 institutional partnerships were developed; 45 local health mediator–community nurse teams were strengthened and 45 community health centers were operationalized; 85 mediators received direct technical assistance and 431 people were qualified in health mediation, of whom 47 were later employed.

The impact of the program goes beyond numbers. SASTIPEN played a decisive role in professionalizing health mediation, strengthening the position of the health mediator within the community healthcare team, and influencing the national regulatory and methodological framework. Through constant collaboration with the Ministry of Health and local authorities, the organization became a strategic actor in the field. These interventions increased family doctor registration rates, improved the monitoring of pregnant women and children, and strengthened Roma communities’ trust in the healthcare system.