A community-health partnership response to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Travellers and Roma in Ireland

Abstract

Irish Travellers and Roma are two ethnic minorities experiencing high levels of health inequities. These communities are at greater risk of developing COVID-19 and of suffering more severe symptoms due to poor living environments and higher rates of comorbidities. This study explores the strategies adopted by community-health partnerships and NGOs to minimise the potential widening of Travellers' and Roma's health inequities during the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed to provide a detailed account of three different community and partnership-led responses. Data were gathered from multiple sources and through first-hand participation in the COVID-19 responses. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. This study found that the main pandemic mitigation interventions implemented were public health measures, culturally sensitive communications, lobbying for policy change and economic and social support. These interventions, supported by the health promotion strategies of partnership, advocacy and empowerment, have proven to be extremely important to reduce potential inequities in exposure to the virus and in access to healthcare. The findings suggest that community-health partnerships between minority groups' organizations and healthcare professionals represent a viable approach to mitigate the disproportionate effects of a pandemic on Travellers and Roma.

Keywords: COVID-19; Irish Travellers; Roma; advocacy; collaboration/partnerships; health inequities; pandemic preparedness planning and response; primary health care.