Our commitment in Italy

Even in Italy, social inequalities can limit access to healthcare. In Turin, it is estimated that over 80.000 people live in absolute poverty and more than 4.000 are homeless (Source: ISTAT). To respond to this reality, World Friends is active with health branches and health education interventions aimed in particular at the homeless. The help desks aim to be a “health space”, in which health and social workers work together: on the one hand to address acute health problems, on the other to guide patients and accompany them on the path to inclusion in the National Health Service. Activities are carried out inside the counters listening and basic health care, orientation to services and distribution of over-the-counter medicines, with the aim of improving health conditions and strengthening the public referral system. Alongside these actions, World Friends carries out activities in Italy training, awareness raising and promotion of international solidaritySince 2004 we have been working in schools and universities with courses of Development Education and Global Citizenship, emotional and sexual education, and training courses for young doctors and future professionals interested in cooperation. Our approach includes interactive and multidisciplinary educational activities aimed at students and teachers, to promote the participation of younger people and consolidate a bridge of solidarity between the North and the South of the world.