PROMYANATA is about me protecting you, and you protecting me
For nearly 20 years, the National Network of Health Mediators has been working to secure easier access to quality health and social services for all Roma children and families. The organisation unites over 200 health mediators around the country.
Health mediators are trained specialised who are certified by medical universities and the ministry of health. They are women and men of all ages and come from the communities they serve. They speak their language and enjoy their trust. At the same time, they are familiar with the current health and social legislation and have good partnerships with the local health and social institutions. Thus, they are successful in improving the health culture of the community, preventing the development of serious but treatable conditions, and improving the relationships between doctors and patients from vulnerable communities.
Why support them:
Children and families from vulnerable groups of society were not prepared for the pandemics and could not find their way in the ocean of information around. The controversial measures and communication created confusion, and in some cases, outright denial of the COVID-19 risks. Isolation and the lockdown faced many families with social and economic hardships and additionally increased social tension and mistrust.
Since the very beginning of the pandemic, the National Network of Health Mediators has been holding information campaigns among the Roma community. Still, they believe that an actual change is only possible if young people are prepared for it. Therefore, the organisation will train groups of young people about the main COVID-19 facts and how to protect themselves from infectious diseases. In turn, they will be ambassadors among their families, friends, and neighbours. The young people will be 16 to 24 years old – an age at which they can be an example for younger children and can easily communicate with adults. They will be able to count on the continuous support of the adult health mediators.
This will allow more people to make informed and responsible choices about their own health and the health of the people around. In turn, the young people will be able to get involved in an activity that improves the well-being of their own community, which will make them feel important and useful.
Thus, the number of informed and prepared people within the Roma community will grow tremendously. Children and families will know the risks and will be able to recognise them in the future, which in turn will help them protect themselves and their families.