Focus AreasRoma communities and individuals are the best and most effective advocates on the issue of increasing access to health care. RHP works to build the capacity of individuals and organizations to be effective advocates, as well as working on systemic mechanisms to facilitate increased involvement of Roma activists.
The project has developed partnerships in a variety of health initiatives. RHP aims to capitalize on OSI's extensive public health experience coupled with extensive experience working with Roma communities. The project fosters policy dialogue and governmental action on Roma health mediator initiatives and explores opportunities to promote quality mediation projects that work to better integrate minorities into the national health care system.
In collaboration with the OSI International Harm Reduction Development program, the World Lung Foundation and the GFTAM, RHP works to engage Roma communities in advocating on HIV/AIDS/TB issues affecting their members. Activities focus on building harm reduction capacity and expertise within Roma community centers and NGOs. RHP collaborates with the World Lung Foundation to create forums to sensitize and train health planners and educators on the realities of reaching out to minority communities to prevent TB infection. Additionally, RHP is exploring the amount and type of funding to Roma NGOs from the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) and fostering the involvement of Roma civil society in the decision making mechanisms regarding GFATM mechanisms.
Recognizing the specific vulnerability and the risk of increased discriminations faced by Romani Women in health care, RHP provides institutional and capacity building support for organizations active in promoting Romani women's health in the four priority countries. It also explores how to establish continued learning possibilities for Roma women interested in Romani health issues, such as partnering and practitioner exchange programs.
