By Luke Robertshaw, MPH Student
For the past 14 years I have been working with an international charity, which has given opportunities for involvement in development work in Haiti and Eastern Europe. I am writing this contribution from a hostel in Cluj-Napoca, Romania where I am helping support local NGO’s working among marginalised Roma communities. The Roma are a minority group subjected to prejudice, social exclusion and persecution (http://www.amnesty.org.uk/roma-rights-anti-discrimination-europe-violence-eviction-education). It is sad to see deep-rooted inequalities faced by the Roma in health, access to health-care, education and housing. According to a 2014 EU Health Report, Roma populations have significantly lower life expectancy (approx. 10 years lower), higher infant mortality and a greater prevalence of infectious diseases in comparison to host country averages.
It is clear that long-term, sustainable development is required to improve this unacceptable situation. Although work can be slow and challenging, it is encouraging to see some progress, such as children staying longer in education programmes, improved community facilities and small businesses developing. It is good seeing Roma volunteers being empowered to find solutions to problems in their community, but there is also an important role for outside organisations to bring much needed resources, practical help and perhaps most importantly, hope and encouragement. During this visit, I have been volunteering with local partners running educational programmes for children and helping improve the facilities needed for these activities.
Studying the MPH (International) has been very helpful for me to think through the wide-ranging issues (social, political, economic and cultural) that influence the health of communities and give insight into the challenges and opportunities of humanitarian assistance.
