As part of the European project REACH OUT: integrated community healthcare and outreach services for hard-to-reach populations, co-funded by the European Commission under the EU4Health Programme, a significant milestone will take place on 11 December with the 1st Joint Mediterranean Roundtable, bringing together key experts, institutions and civil society organisations from Italy, Malta and Greece.
The REACH OUT project, led by INTERSOS Humanitarian Organisation in collaboration with the Ministry for Health and Active Aging (MHA) Malta, PRAKSIS NGO, DIGIVIS and Fondazione PIN, aims to improve the health conditions of disadvantaged groups and migrants. The initiative focuses on strengthening prevention, early diagnosis and access to treatment for HIV, sexually transmitted infections and hepatitis B and C. Operating across three Mediterranean countries, the project addresses complex public health challenges that disproportionately affect communities facing structural barriers to healthcare.
A Shared Mediterranean Dialogue
In recent months, national High-Level Stakeholder Roundtables have been held in Italy, Malta and Greece to analyse country-specific challenges and foster dialogue between health authorities, experts and community actors. These discussions have highlighted the need for a more coordinated regional approach, capable of translating field evidence into effective strategies.
The upcoming Joint Mediterranean Roundtable represents the natural continuation of this process. Designed as an online high-level discussion, the meeting will connect national experiences and open a structured space for participants to exchange insights, reflect on emerging trends, and collaboratively explore solutions to persistent health inequalities in the region.
The event, titled “Bridging the Mediterranean Health Gap – Outreach practices in dialogue between Italy, Malta and Greece”, will take place from 10:00 to 13:00 CET / 11:00 to 14:00 EET. During the session, project partners will present key results from each country, highlighting progress made in community-based outreach, testing and referral practices, as well as gaps that still hinder equitable access to healthcare.
Strengthening Future Health Strategies
One of the core objectives of the Joint Roundtable is to strengthen the link between project findings and future recommendations at European level. By gathering a selected group of high-level participants with specific knowledge, experience and interest in the project’s themes, REACH OUT aims to generate constructive dialogue and identify actionable steps that can support more inclusive and effective public health systems.
The contributions of experts, institutions and civil society representatives will play a crucial role in shaping the next phases of the project. Their insights will help refine the final set of EU-level recommendations that REACH OUT will deliver, ensuring that the voices and experiences of practitioners and frontline organisations are fully reflected.
Looking Ahead
The Mediterranean region continues to face substantial challenges in ensuring equitable access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment for vulnerable populations and migrants. Through initiatives like this Joint Roundtable, REACH OUT reaffirms its commitment to strengthening community healthcare, promoting evidence-based approaches and fostering collaboration among countries that share similar public health realities.
By creating a space for meaningful dialogue and coordinated reflection, the project sets the ground for stronger, more sustainable solutions aimed at reducing the health gap across the region.
