Sicily Region-NIHMP: agreement on research projects for migrant and poor populations.
29 June 2009
PALERMO – The agreement regulating NIHMP’s activities in Sicily has been signed today. It is part of a managerial experimentation involving NIHMP’s seat in Rome and its three regional centres in Sicily, Latium and Apulia.
The agreement and the decree signed today allow the national research projects organized in Rome and those addressed to Sicily to start.
“ A 3 million Euro fund is been unfrozen; the amount was available since 2007 – said assessor Russo. This allows Sicily to shorten the distances with the other regions involved in the managerial experimentation. This measure is in compliance with Art. 28 of the Law on the “Reorganization of the Sicilian health care system”, providing the access to medical services to all those people residing in the territory, including undocumented migrants. It is an act of humanity and responsibility”.
The projects involve health professionals, first aid stations, cultural mediators and social workers. They provide:
- Epidemiological survey of the most diffused diseases among migrant and poor populations;
- A camper spreading information and prevention from the main infectious diseases and providing training activities for health professionals;
- Activities addressed to women, particularly to victims of violence;
- Information activities for migrants and foreigners on the rights and duties involving public and individual health.
Prof. Aldo Morrone, Director General of NIHMP, said: “This agreement allows Sicily to give its precious contribute to the development of the scientific and training national network promoted by NIHMP. The objective of our Institute is to spread at a national level an economical and effective research and assistance model addressed to migrants and disadvantaged groups of Italian population. Specialized training for cultural mediators will be soon provided in Italian Local Health Services; this project aims at facilitating the access to health facilities and it is promoted by NIHMP and the Regions of Sicily, Apulia and Latium”.
The project scientific manager for Sicily is Tullio Prestileo, infectious disease doctor at the Local Health Service Ausl 6 and president of Anlaids Sicilia (National Association against AIDS). He declared: “We succeeded in unblocking a stagnant situation, at last. This was made possible by the sensibility and concreteness of assessor Russo and his staff. We can now meet the health needs of disadvantaged, poor and migrant populations”.
The agreement is been signed by the Regional Councillor for health Massimo Russo, Prof. Aldo Morrone and Dr. Mario Leto, temporary manager of San Giovanni di Dio hospital, which will be the referral point for the structures involved in the research projects.
Ottavio Latini, Responsible for NIHMP’s scientific planning, Daniela Faraoni, Managing Director of San Giovanni di Dio hospital, Linda Pasta, Sicily Representative for NIHMP’s Guide and Control Board and Tullio Prestileo, Sicily Scientific Representative for projects, were also present.
