Romani Global Diaspora

It has long been obvious that the general health status of Roma is much worse than that of non-Roma. Surveys have found that European Roma are disproportionately unvaccinated, have poorer-than-average nutrition, and experience higher rates of infant mortality and tuberculosis. Estimates in 12 European Union (EU) member states suggest that Roma live 7–20 fewer years than non-Roma.1 However, the lack of standardized and systematic disaggregated data prevents us from knowing what factors are rendering Roma more vulnerable to various specific diseases and sicknesses and what exact barriers they face when trying to access health care services. This is not the case in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Brazil, where disaggregated national data-collection schemes broken down by age, ethnicity, race, income, gender, and other variables highlight existing disparities in health status and access to health care. Thanks to such health statistics in the United States, for example, we know the differences between various racial groups regarding live births, smoking habits, obesity, hypertension, health insurance coverage, mortality, leading causes of death, and many other areas, which enables the formulation of appropriate legal and policy responses for the various population groups.2 Health care has always been one of the four main pillars of Roma rights advocacy, together with education, employment, and housing. For instance, it was part of the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005–2015. In addition, the EU Framework on National Roma Integration Strategies—adopted by the EU Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council in 2011—invited member states to focus on access to health care, with particular emphasis on quality health care, including preventive health care and health education. However, this area was and remains the least researched, understood, and strategized field of work given the sensitive and closed nature of health data and health care services. Roma in general often feel mistreated by public authorities, who approach them with suspicion, prejudice, and even hostility. But when it comes to administrative procedures at municipal offices, employment bureaus, and educational institutions, much can be seen and overheard by the public at large, which might positively influence attitudes and behaviors. However, this is not the case in the health arena, where treatments happen behind closed doors and where public knowledge on the subject matters and on patients’ rights in general is limited. Health care facilities are usually difficult places for everyone. Anyone who has ever been hospitalized due to sickness