FINAL PROGRESS REPORT

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS;

TABLE OF CONTENTS

І.SUMMARY..................................................................................................................................4

ІІ. PRESENTATION OF THE CONSORTIUM........................................................................7

ІІІ. TERMS OF REFERENCE...................................................................................................8

ІV. PROJECT ACTIVITIES......................................................................................................12

1. Project management................................................................................................................12

2. Implementation of the pilot program for prevention and early diagnostics of cervical cancer for disadvantaged ethnic minority women....................................................................16

3. Analysis of the legal basis concerning health insurance of pregnant ethnic minority women............................................................................................................................................27 

4. Improving the communication between Roma and health care providers.......................................................................................................................................30

5. Strengthening the position of the health mediator in Roma communities, as well as before local authorities, RIPHPC, RHC ...............................................................................................42

6. Implementation of preventive medical examinations with mobile units of disadvantaged ethnic minority children .............................................................................................................49

7. Improving the health education of self-help groups and family planning……..................55

8. Supporting medical specialists by providing health information for Roma families by the health mediators..........................................................................................................................57

9. Organization of discussions with young people on the topics of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), prevention of early pregnancy and the principles of family planning........................................................................................................................................61

10. Training of medical specialists................. ...........................................................................63

11. Internet site of the health mediators – www.zdravenmediator.net...................................65

V. PROBLEMS FACED AND CONCLUSIONS.....................................................................66

1. Problems faced, solution and overcoming…………….........................................................67

2. Conclusions from the conducted preventive examinations…………………………………………….............................................................67

VІ. RECOMMENDATIONS.......................................................................................................69

1. Key recommendations in conducting preventive medical examinations with mobile units…...........................................................................................................................................69

2. Recommendations regarding the work of HM…..................................................................70

3. Recommendations regarding the sustainability of programs for preventive examinations with mobile units..........................................................................................................................71

4. Recommendaitons for improving the health culture of Roma.............................................72

5. Recommendations regarding legislative changes for improving maternal health care in Bulgaria………………………………….....................................................................................72

VІІ. MAIN CONCLUSIONS FROM THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PREVENTIVE MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS IN THE TARGET REGIONS...............................................76

VІІІ. CONCLUSION...................................................................................................................78

ІХ. HUMAN RESOURCES........................................................................................................79

Х. ICIDENTAL EXPENDITURE..............................................................................................79

ХІ. ANNEXES..............................................................................................................................79