Bringing care within reach
MOBHOPE addresses barriers that can prevent people from accessing conventional health services. Its focus includes viral hepatitis, HIV, sexually transmitted infections and liver health. Organisations in Spain, Portugal and Croatia work towards stronger mobile services that connect prevention, earlier detection and continuity of care.
The project combines clinical, public health and community perspectives. This shared approach recognises that access depends on people's circumstances, their experiences with services and the relationships between organisations.
Five connected areas of work
- Prevention and communication: education and understandable information for communities and mobile teams.
- Care pathways: stronger connections between outreach, assessment and referral.
- Operational research: knowledge about barriers, social determinants and people's preferences.
- Dignity: attention to stigma and discrimination in healthcare.
- Service development: a common approach that can be adapted to different health systems.
What the project seeks to change
Expected contributions include earlier diagnosis, better links to care, reduced health inequalities and a clearer understanding of community needs. These are objectives to work towards, rather than a statement that the changes have already been achieved.
Activities and impact answer different questions. Training or a new resource describes work undertaken; improvements in access or care require evidence about what changed. Published findings should be read in their own context and with their stated limitations.
Learning beyond national borders
Cooperation offers a way to compare experience and identify transferable principles. A shared service model must also leave room for local health systems and the communities it is intended to serve.
Source: European Commission — MOBHOPE.