A square transformed into an open-air health clinic.
That’s what happened yesterday in Rome’s Piazza del Risorgimento, where the “Health Village” project by One Health Foundation offered an entire day of free medical check-ups as part of the 2025 Jubilee of Migrants.
Dermatology, vascular medicine, diabetology, nutrition, mammography, oncogenetic and breast consultations — and even free vaccination against Herpes Zoster: citizens and pilgrims attending the initiative were able to receive care and advice directly from the professionals provided by ASL Roma 1, including doctors, nurses, healthcare technicians and midwives. The final tally speaks for itself: over 390 medical visits performed in just one day.
The event stems from a real and pressing need. In Italy, eight out of ten migrants have never undergone a medical check-up, even though 7% of men and 10% of women are already affected by at least one chronic illness. Lifestyle data are no more encouraging: one in four smokes, 7% are obese, and 18% consume alcohol regularly.
“Yesterday’s event, open to everyone, is part of the journey we have been pursuing for over two years,” said Rossana Berardi, President of One Health Foundation. “During this time, we have already carried out more than 6,000 free medical check-ups across Italy, thanks to a series of local initiatives that have allowed us to reach and support many people. We know how complex it can be, in our country, to access healthcare services — especially preventive ones. Statistical data also show that there is still a strong underestimation of the risks linked to certain behaviors. That’s why we have set ourselves a clear goal: to promote a new culture of health that improves people’s well-being while also helping to protect our planet.
Our approach is that of One Health — an integrated vision that connects the health of humans, animals, and the environment. Spreading the culture of prevention is a strategic priority for us, especially in a country that is aging rapidly and increasingly exposed to environmental emergencies.”
The Church also expressed its support for the initiative.
“We thank One Health Foundation for the event it organized yesterday on the occasion of the Jubilee of Migrants, in favor of everyone — no one excluded,” said Monsignor Graziano Borgonovo, Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization. “Access to medical care and services is not always easily available to all those who live or reside in the national territory.”
The message was echoed by the healthcare community.
“The foreign population living in Italy is relatively young, but that doesn’t mean they are less exposed to health risks,” added Giuseppe Quintavalle, General Director of ASL Roma 1. “Cultural and linguistic differences can discourage both primary and secondary prevention of serious diseases. At the same time, there are widespread unhealthy habits, such as smoking. These are people who must be encouraged to undergo regular medical check-ups. That’s why initiatives like the one by One Health Foundation for the Jubilee of Migrants are so valuable — they aim to involve more and more men and women in a virtuous process of health promotion.”
The day concluded with a press conference moderated by Mauro Boldrini, Vice President of One Health Foundation, attended by Nicla La Verde (Director of the Oncology Unit at Luigi Sacco Hospital in Milan), Alessandro Delle Donne (Extraordinary Commissioner of the IRCCS Cancer Institute of Bari), and Vincenzo Caputo (Director General of the Zooprophylactic Institute of Umbria and Marche).
An initiative that brought together health, inclusion, and solidarity, bringing prevention to where it is often missing — among people, in the squares, alongside those who need it most.
