The second area of support within the Health Programme under the EEA Grants 2014-2021 is focused on implementation of prevention measures related to communicable and non-communicable diseases with the main aim to decrease the prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases of Roma living in socially excluded localities. Measures focusing on early detection of dementia and measures focusing on the decrease in trend of antibiotics consumption will also be supported.

1. Measures focused on the decrease of the prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases of Roma living in socially excluded localities.

People living in socially excluded localities lack information about diseases, symptoms, treatment and follow-up care. In order to reduce inequalities in health and the burden of diseases, interventions focused on securing improved access to healthcare for marginalized groups, mainly Roma, living in deprived areas shall be implemented. Interventions focusing on secondary prevention and early detection of communicable and non-communicable diseases in marginalized populations will be supported.

Secondary prevention within the target group shall be enhanced by creation and distribution of information materials including information about particular communicable and non-communicable diseases. Created materials (info sheets, handouts, videos, etc.) shall provide information about early symptoms of such diseases and how to proceed when these initial symptoms are recognized. These measures shall increase the health literacy on secondary prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases among Roma population, helping them to identify the illness or other health problems in early phase and react appropriately and effectively in such situations.

In order to improve the health status of people living in socially excluded localities, mainly Roma, general practitioners who provide care in such areas shall be trained and educated as well. The guidelines for GPs providing them with specific information, training and education focused on treatment and care of patients from socially excluded localities shall be developed.

2. Measures focused on diagnosis and early detection of dementia

Activities shall improve the diagnosis and early detection of dementia in order to tackle increasing number of patients suffering from dementia. Therefore, activities aiming at education and training of family members and non-healthcare carers to improve their skills in early recognition of dementia symptoms will be supported.

Following the training of family members and non-healthcare carers the general practitioners shall increase their knowledge regarding the diagnosis and management of dementia as well. Therefore, guidelines on diagnosis procedures and follow up care for general practitioners improving the diagnosis and management of dementia shall be developed and disseminated.

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