Press release | 30.6. 2023

Exemplary practice: Su.Pr.Eme - health care and vaccinations for undeclared, seasonal workers.

Carlos João, Project Advisor, European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) presenting an award to Giovanni Gorgoni, Director General of AReSS Puglia.

Celebrating promising practices to increase access to vaccinations for hard-to-reach groups.

On the 30 June, the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) recognised the Puglia Health Authority (Italy) for its efforts, together with on the ground NGOs in the implementation of the “Su.Pr.Eme: health care and vaccinations for undeclared, seasonal workers”.

The award of exemplary practice is part of the larger pan-European initiative, "Overcoming Obstacles to Vaccination", a 3-year project aimed at tackling obstacles of physical, practical, and administrative nature to vaccination. This initiative sets out to identify and assess the impact of obstacles to vaccination, share and pilot best practices and develop recommendations, in turn supporting EU Member States and increasing vaccination coverage rates.

Using criteria the European Commission developed, health authorities – from across the European Union – submitted interventions they considered promising practices to address obstacles to vaccination. From the numerous submissions, five projects were selected. The “Su.Pr.Eme: health care and vaccinations for undeclared, seasonal workers” programme is one of the five.

Carlos João, Project Advisor, European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) presented the award to Giovanni Gorgoni, Director General of AReSS Puglia.

Key outcomes of the ‘Su.Pr.Eme’ programme:

  • Development of an integrated socio-health care model.
  • Creation of transferrable guidelines for its application.
  • Implementation of Medical Mobile Units to support the health and social care of vulnerable groups.
  • Facilitation of comprehensive and coordinated care to individuals in situation of vulnerability.

The onsite visit in Bari (Italy) has provided an opportunity for participants to see first-hand the effective work that the Regione Puglia has delivered, showcasing what can be achieved when key actors cooperate.