373 Addressing health literacy needs of migrants and refugees in cardiovascular disease and diabetes interventions: insights from the JACARDI EU commission cofunded joint action

Abstract OP 33: Diseases and Interventions 1, B304 (FCSH), September 5, 2025, 09:00 - 10:00 Aims This study investigates the integration of migrant and refugee status into the design and implementation of health literacy (HL) interventions targeting cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods The Joint Action on Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes (JACARDI), an initiative Co-funded by the EU Commission, aims to reduce the burden of CVDs and DM across Europe. Work Package 6 (WP6) focuses specifically on developing HL interventions for disadvantaged populations. To achieve this, two primary actions were undertaken: 1) A survey distributed to 32 member states assessed the existence and scope of national HL strategies addressing equitable access, including culturally appropriate provisions for migrants and refugees. 2) Twenty-four HL projects were implemented following the Ophelia (Optimising Health Literacy and Access) methodology, emphasizing co-design with communities and respect for cultural beliefs. Results The survey revealed limited governmental commitment to addressing the specific HL needs of refugees and migrants within national strategies. In contrast, many projects within WP6 developed culturally and linguistically appropriate materials, translated into languages spoken by migrant and refugee populations, and ensured cultural sensitivity and relevance. Several projects utilized diverse communication channels, including audio-visual resources and community outreach, while others established partnerships with community organizations. One project specifically trained healthcare providers on cultural awareness and the use of plain language communication. Conclusion Evaluating the effectiveness of these programs in meeting the specific needs of migrants and refugees is crucial and forms an integral part of ongoing project evaluation. These findings highlight the gap between national policy and project-level implementation, emphasizing the need for stronger governmental support and targeted strategies to ensure equitable access to health information for these populations that frequently experience marginalisation and vulnerability.