Slovak health ministry aims to raise hygiene of children in poor Roma communities

The health ministry says it has commenced a string of public education activities aimed at strengthening habitual hygiene among pre-school and young school-age children that live in marginalised Roma communities. "It is necessary to strengthen and encourage behaviour linked to health, especially among children. Correct and regular personal hygiene, not only in an environment of decreased hygienic standards, acts as effective prevention of some infectious diseases," said health minister Andrea Kalavska. Items designed to raise awareness of the importance of hygiene, among them 32,000 educational worksheets, 8,000 books, colour pencils and hygienic utensils will be redistributed to 251 locations across Slovakia by the end of July.