The aim of the project was to bring Roma of both countries closer to the public health structures and to motivate health structures to include efficiently the Roma population in the national health system through guidance, prevention, education and informative actions with the help of regular check-ups. The project activities included drafting of an updated situation analysis on health issues in 4 Roma settlements. Questionnaires and epidemiological research were developed to extract useful conclusions that ended up in the development of an action plan. A pilot project was implemented with educational campaigns of Roma citizens on health issues, training, check-ups and vaccination for women and children of the involved in the project settlements. Achievements: Results and impact• Development of 3 scientific studies (Current Situation Analysis, Epidemiological Research, Action Plan) with significant data on Roma population and personal health that can be used by the local administration bodies planning actions in the field of public health.• Development and implementation of training of Roma held in situ on eight thematic sections: hygiene, nutrition, maternity, maternal breast-feeding, child care, family planning, cancer prevention and access to health services.• Design and distribution of training supportive materials: information leaflets on health, hygiene, nutrition and breast cancer issues, health guide and DVD presenting in simple words a brief guide on basic health and hygiene issues.• Development of pilot activities - check- ups, vaccinations and info days in both countries:- 150 Roma children and women from Drosero settlement (Xanthi) were examined and around 100 children were vaccinated. Repetitive doses of the vaccinations were made where needed. Medical files were kept in the hospital.- 21 women and 40 children of the Agia Sofia settlement profited from the laboratory tests held at the hospital. 40 children were transported to the hospital and were vaccinated. Medical files were kept in the hospital.- 80 Roma people from the neighborhoods in Izgrev1&2, Vulcan and Marinovo (Dimitrovgrad) were vaccinated with the two doses against Hepatitis A&B. 50 women and 50 children underwent check-ups and more than 100 Roma people were trained on various health and prevention topics.Benefits1. The hospital visits and the check-ups contributed to diagnosis and treatment of previous undiagnosed health problems.2. The studies delivered valuable material and concrete data regarding the situation in the Roma settlements and the needs of Roma populations, useful data for the design of policies and strategies by the local authorities.3. The training material proved to be useful tool for training social vulnerable groups in basic personal and public health and hygiene issues. This tool can be used by other institutions.4. Through the pilot implementation the local and regional authorities in both countries cooperated with the local public health system gaining long lasting experience in treating a social vulnerable group as the Roma.5. Innovative audio visual educational & training material and tools were developed in order to inform and educate people on the importance of good health, on the protection and preservation of health with proper prevention and to train them to properly use the services of the Public Health System. The project sensitized and informed also the local authorities employees, the professionals working in the public health system (hospitals, health centers, medical-social centers, etc.), and other relevant local institutions to deal appropriately and effectively with Roma.The issue of bad health of the Roma populations and the gap between the beneficiaries and the health services was diagnosed in both countries, Greece and Bulgaria. Local social partners were involved in the project and committed to take action for the removal of social exclusion. Especially employees in the public health system were informed to deal appropriately and effectively with Roma.Identification of main features of good practicesApproach to Roma communityInclusion of Roma and access to health services