Interview, Vaccines Today

05 Jul 2013

Health mediators in Bulgaria are working to improve vaccination rates among Roma groups by talking with parents and even bringing some children to the GP for immunisations. However, overcoming cultural and health system barriers is essential if immunisation goals are to be reached.

Diliana Dilkova of the National Network of the Health Mediators in Bulgaria told Vaccines Today that health mediators are a trusted source of health information and key players in a tailored immunisation campaigns designed for Roma populations.

The need could hardly be greater. Vaccination rates are typically lower among Roma groups, putting them on the frontline of the 2010 measles outbreak in Bulgaria and the ongoing rubella epidemic in Romania. Both diseases can lead to serious complications, especially where access to health services is weak.