About Open Society & Roma Health

Poverty, social exclusion, and persistent discrimination have led to poor health conditions for Roma populations throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Entrenched marginalization and discrimination manifest in denial of treatment, inequitable health services, significant obstacles in obtaining health care, and hostility towards Roma by health care providers.

The Roma Health Project, part of the Open Society Public Health Program, works to advance the health and human rights of Roma persons. The project focuses mainly on grantmaking and advocacy efforts, including strengthening the capacity of Roma organizations and activists. The project does not fund health services or health education activities.

In order to achieve its mission, the Roma Health Project is guided by the following strategic goals:

1. Build the capacity of Roma NGOs that address health and health-related issues.
2. Promote the human rights of Roma and combat discrimination faced by Roma in accessing and receiving health care.
3. Support the development and implementation of health-related laws, policies, and practices that ensure just and equitable treatment for Roma.
4. Hold authorities accountable for their responsibilities to Roma under local, regional, national, and international laws and policies.

The Roma Health Project works primarily in Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and to a lesser extent, Ukraine. The project collaborates with regional civil society organizations such as the European Roma Rights Center, Romani CRISS, and other Open Society programs.