Thanks to its offer of screenings for hepatitis and HIV, generic physical and gynecological examinations, and psychological and legal support, the mobile clinic for working migrants in the territory of Foggia, Puglia, gained WHO recognition as one of the 49 best practices it recognizes in the realm of migrant and refugee health.

The project was launched in 2015 and developed by the region of Puglia with the contribution of the Doctors for Africa CUAMM Bari and the clinic for infectious and tropical diseases at the University of Bari.

Much-needed healthcare for those at the margins

The clinic has helped to provide much-needed healthcare for migrants and refugees in the provinces of Foggia and Bari where they often live in precarious health and sanitary conditions, without running water nor electricity, far removed from services for people, in an extremely marginalized social condition.

"This recognition is an acknowledgment of the intelligence, dedication, and commitment of an entire community concerning the need that words must be followed by actions", declared the President of the Region of Puglia, Michele Emiliano.

"Puglia from this point of view is certainly one of the most advanced regions in Italy. We have always considered people as such, never judging their condition based on need. Our system considers the right to healthcare as universal, without any distinction," he concluded.