Spanish Roma population more vulnerable to effects of virus

New research, led by the University of St Andrews, highlights that the Spanish Roma (Gitano) community suffer disproportionate socio-economic and health factors that make them extremely vulnerable during the current pandemic.

The research, led by social anthropologist Dr Paloma Gay y Blasco from the School of Philosophical Anthropological and Film Studies and Maria Félix Rodriguez Camacho, Universidad de Alicante, Spain, warns that Roma, one of the most marginalised and poorest minorities in Europe, with the poorest health and lowest life expectancy, are likely suffer the impact of coronavirus in extreme ways.

Spanish Gitanos, like Roma elsewhere in Europe, have entered the pandemic from an exceptionally disadvantaged position.

More than 80 per cent of Gitanos live in poverty, with almost 50 per cent having a monthly income of less than €310.

Gitanos experience greater levels of COPD, obesity and diabetes; and they are more likely to suffer serious health conditions which may impact whether individuals survive Covid-19.

Sub-standard housing conditions in inner-city areas or in slums, residential segregation in purpose-built ghettos, and overcrowding all affect disproportionally the Gitano community.

More than 60 per cent of Gitanos live in multi-generational households, with two or more related nuclear families living together in small apartments,whichmakestheavoidance of contagion through self-isolation extremely difficult. Additionally, almost 44 per cent of Gitano men and 27 per cent of Gitano women earn their income through street vending.