Prevention and education of the underprivileged section of the community with regards to health issues and observation and promotion of health. The health of socially or economically disadvantaged people, as well as that of everyone else, does not only depend on financial access to medical care.

The local government of Anderlecht, a community within the Brussels Capital Region, wants to make the people and the community aware of the importance of good health through the health bus. The bus makes it easier to inform the residents, specifically those living in disadvantaged areas, about a wide range of health issues (sexually transmitted diseases, infectious diseases, food hygiene, alcohol and drug addiction, mental problems, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, etc.)

The aim of the Health Bus is threefold:
• Making people and communities aware of the importance of good health
• Contributing to respecting differences and combating inequalities
• Listening to people, groups, communities and their problems, expectations and means

The Health Bus is therefore specifically geared towards cooperating with existing associations and to promote local achievement through partnerships. This is part of the reason why the Health Bus will be supporting certain prevention and sensibilisation campaigns.

The Health Bus has been travelling around in the various boroughs of Anderlecht for the past two years. It can be accessed free of charge, there is no commitment involved and confidential advice is given in specific areas at certain times. The Bus is also accessible for schools and societies. The two nurses are not only responsible for standard health problems, they also provide information on prevention and referrals, and they look out for issues such as housing, work, environment, social contacts, education, leisure time and the like. Consultation hours on the bus are communicated through monthly newsletters in the Anderlecht community, as well as through other sources.

The following services are provided:
• Free information and health awareness in a discrete environment (confidentiality guaranteed)
• Assisting people by referring them to the appropriate medical social institutions if necessary
• Developing and supporting preventative projects in cooperation with partners
• Working out a diagnosis of the community health in the suburbs, with the close involvement of residents.

Meeting with residents, which contributes to the awareness process in terms of health and other issues not related to health.

All residents of the community, with special attention paid to those in less privileged areas that are more vulnerable.

Purchase of a bus to the value of € 99,157 (in 2002). The Health Bus initiative was developed after consultation with numerous doctors, psychologists and social workers that are active in the neighbourhoods. Nurses that specialise in community health are responsible for coordination. In this way a working method is being developed that is focussed on involving all parties active in the field of health.

Urban Policy Coordination Programme for the Anderlecht community
1070 Anderlecht
Belgium
http://www.anderlecht.irisnet.be
Mr. Vincent Vrijens, tel. +32 2 526 76 11

01/01/2002

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Health