iGLo Initiative Booms in Essen: Multilingual Health Info Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels
The Intercultural Health Guides (iGLo) initiative, established in Essen, Germany, 20 years ago, has seen a significant resurgence in participation since 2023. With over 65 sessions annually, the project is back to pre-pandemic levels, offering health information in multiple languages to diverse communities.
iGLo, founded in 2009 under the project Interkulturelle Gesundheitsführer, provides informational sessions in participants' native languages and German. Topics range from nutrition and physical activity to understanding the German healthcare system. The initiative is implemented by NEUE ARBEIT, a subsidiary of Diakonie Essen gGmbH, in collaboration with local authorities and health insurance providers.
The sessions are highly sought after, with Turkish, Arabic, Russian, and German being the most frequently requested languages. Mental health and pediatric first aid are the most popular topics. Juliane Böttcher, head of Essen’s Public Health Office, praises iGLo for removing barriers and delivering healthcare tailored to diverse communities.
The iGLo initiative, running for 20 years, offers health information in multiple languages, improving access to healthcare for diverse population groups. With a surge in participation since 2023, the project continues to meet the needs of Essen's multilingual and multicultural communities.
