Developing a Strategy for COVID-19 Control Among Hard-to-Reach Migrant Communities: The Experience of Roma 2 Local Health Authority

Roma 2 Local Health Authority (ASL) developed a strategy to control the COVID-19 epidemic in Hard-to-reach (HTR) migrant communities, addressing both the containment of clusters in informal settlements and access to COVID-19 vaccination. The strategy was based on a strong collaboration of different services across the ASL and with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). NGOs were involved in the active surveillance, reporting of COVID-19 suspected cases to the ASL and information to the communities. Health interventions (e.g., COVID-19 tests, contact tracing, vaccination) were offered in outreach in HTR communities' life places. From April 2020 to February 2021, 15 outbreaks were controlled, for a total of over 4,500 persons reached, and 265 COVID-19 cases identified. From July to November 2021, vaccinations were offered in outreach or with dedicated sessions, reaching 1,398 people. This intervention model may lay the foundations for the design of public health strategies, not only aimed at HTR populations.

Automated summary

The Local Health Authority (ASL) in Rome has developed a strategy to control the COVID-19 epidemic in Hard-to-reach migrant communities. This strategy involves collaboration with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), active surveillance, and offering health interventions such as testing, contact tracing, and vaccination. The results so far have been successful, with several outbreaks controlled and a significant number of people reached and vaccinated. This intervention model can serve as a foundation for public health strategies targeting not only Hard-to-reach populations.