The health situation in Europe is still characterised by considerable health inequalities. Not all parts of society have the opportunity to access existing health services, and tailored services for specific groups are often non-existent. Drug users, sex workers, undocumented migrants and youngsters at risk are vulnerable and need specific services in the field of health promotion, health care and health treatment. Correlation I (2005-2008) identified important gaps and insufficiencies regarding health promotion interventions targeting marginalised groups. This concerns specific health issues, notably in the area of Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS and specific populations, particularly drug users and young people at risk

Description

The overall aim of Correlation II is to tackle health inequalities in Europe and to improve prevention, care and treatment services, targeting blood-borne infectious diseases (BBID), in particular Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS among vulnerable and high risk populations (e.g. drug users and young people at risk).

Target groups are service providers, including peer educators, notably those working in drug services, harm reduction facilities or health services for young people at risk; policy makers, notably those involved in policy development on drugs and BBID.
The project will approach the issue from different angles and with interventions, which have been identified as effective, such as outreach/early intervention, e-health and peer support.

The project will:

• Review models of good practice
• Implement field testing’s
• Develop guidance documents
• Develop and implement training modules
• Support and strengthen capacities of health service providers
• Influencing policy agendas by formulating evidence based policy recommendations

An essential method of Correlation II is the multi-disciplinary approach, which combines and bridges the gap between research, practice and policy. Correlation unites health experts from various professional and geographic backgrounds, including peer educators, and combines different approaches to improve health promotion.