The State Secretary of the Ministry, Stevan Gligorin, visited Smederevo today, where he talked with Mayor Jovan Beč and members of the mobile team for field reporting the Roma population for immunization against Covid-19.
State Secretary Gligorin, Mayor Beč, as well as members of the mobile team, talked about the level of information the Roma population has about the Covid-19 virus, their interest in immunization, the process of applying for vaccination, but also about the position of Roma and the city administration’s commitment to solving problems the Roma population faces.
Gligorin said that the Ministry strives for all citizens of Serbia, especially vulnerable groups, to have the same access to information and equal access to applications for vaccination against Covid-19. The Ministry appealed to all local self-government units in Serbia with substandard settlements inhabited by Roma people to set up stands in settlements in cooperation with Roma coordinators and mediators, to inform those people who are interested in applying through the eAdministration Portal for Immunization.
“It is important to talk to people on the site because they are worried and do not have enough information about vaccines, but also about the way to they can apply through the eGovernment Portal. From that came a set of recommendations to local governments, which includes the establishment of stands in Roma settlements where Roma people can get information, but also apply for vaccination. “Roma doctors and medical workers supported this initiative, and their more active involvement will help overcome the fear that exists and instill additional confidence in the immunization process,” Gligorin said.
It was stated in the conversation that the Roma population in Smederevo is afraid of vaccination, as well as that the city is working intensely on raising the level of awareness about the importance of immunization in this population. The city of Smederevo, in addition to opening vaccination points, has also opened points where support and assistance are provided when applying for immunization at local offices. At the same time, a special action plan is being implemented to improve the position of Roma people, for which three million dinars have been set aside this year, primarily to support and strengthen the capacity for their employment.
After talking and getting acquainted with the current expression of interest and application of Roma for vaccination, as well as their information about the importance of immunization against Covid-19, State Secretary Gligorin visited Vranovo, one of the three Roma settlements in Smederevo, where over 50 families live, and talked to the local population about immunization, but also about other challenges that the Roma population in this city is facing.
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