The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is working to improve the health care of the Roma population in the Iztok District of Kyustendil in Bulgaria by providing improved access to quality health care, and promoting health education among the community.

During the project, ADRA offered residents free examinations from 15 medical professionals specializing in a wide range of health care practices from neurology to pediatrics. More than 5,000 people benefited from the medical consultations provided by the health care initiative. Many patients were diagnosed with a number of diseases, including tuberculosis, epilepsy, diabetes, and bronchitis.

The program also provided training for the community through seminars in nutrition, health, and sexual education. These seminars were aimed to enable the community to lead healthier lifestyles through improved education.

Research provided by the project showed poverty to be a key element leading to serious health challenges among Roma, as well as poor nutrition, permanent stress, lack of proper sanitary conditions at home, and early and frequent births.

The project was implemented in September 2004, and ended in October 2005. "It was very much appreciated," said Sasha Velinova, country director for ADRA in Bulgaria. "People always ask us if we plan to continue the health project."

The Iztok District in the town of Kyustendil is one of the poorest districts with Roma population exceeding 10,000 people. The main social and economic challenges of the district are severe poverty and unemployment. The lack of adequate hygiene conditions among the population creates a higher risk of multiple illnesses and criminal activity.

ADRA has been active in Bulgaria, distributing supplies and relief aid for people in need since 1992. ADRA began work in development and social welfare projects in Bulgaria in 1999. These projects include promoting hygiene and health education in the community, distributing medicine, food, and clothing, as well as building homes, and building a Community Health Center for Roma in Kyustendil.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious association, age, or ethnicity.