The Ministry of Health in partnership with the National Network of Health Mediators is implementing a predefined project BGLD-1.006-0001 "Healthcare for everyone" within the Programme "Local Development, Poverty Reduction and Improved Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups", funded by the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area 2014-2021

The project aim is to improve communication, resources and coordination at the local level in the implementation of health policies for marginalized communities by optimizing the health mediation system.

Main project activities: 

• • Improving the mechanism for implementation of national health policies at local level;
  • Developing an effective plan of action in the event of crises such as Covid-19, in regard to socially excluded and isolated marginalized communities;
  • Improving the system for regular provision of health information;
  • Approbating services and approaches for work and overcoming the existent deficits;
  • Expanding the scope of health mediators' work

The implementation of the project employs a dual approach: on one hand, improving the health service system for vulnerable groups at local level and the connection between health policies at local and national level, and on the other – working with vulnerable groups towards creating a more active role with regards to their health. The activities are aimed at:

• • Provision of easy-access services and improving the information awareness by encouraging community engagement;
  • Developing and strengthening the capacity of the stakeholders at the local level – local authorities, Regional Health Inspectorates, doctors, hospitals, mediators, etc. as executors of national policies in that area;
  • Optimizing the utilizaton of health mediation, including in healthcare facilities for hospital care.

Expected outcomes:                                                        

The implementation of "Healthcare for Everyone” shall address the needs for improving overall health status and a more effective implementation of national health policies for marginalized communities living in poverty and social exclusion. The project shall develop an analysis of the main problems in the implementation of the national policy on health mediation. The implementation of the project shall also support the policies of the Ministry of Health to improve access to healthcare for vulnerable groups, in particular in the field of maternal and child healthcare, including for family planning and sexually transmitted infections, especially syphilis and congenital syphilis.