October 21, 2025

Essen's Intercultural Health Guides Break Barriers for 20 Years

What began as a pilot project has since become a cornerstone of Essen's healthcare landscape: the **Intercultural Health Guides (iGLo)** are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. Since its launch, the initiative has played a pivotal role in improving access to healthcare for diverse population groups, breaking down prejudices, and strengthening collaboration between the healthcare system and migrant communities.

The team of intercultural health guides offers informational sessions on health topics—both in participants' native languages and in German—covering areas such as nutrition, physical activity, and the German healthcare system. The most sought-after topics are mental health and pediatric first aid. Through these exchanges, gaps in knowledge about the local healthcare system are closed, and healthy lifestyles are promoted. The program's goal is to empower individuals with international family backgrounds to take greater responsibility for their own health.

The initiative is implemented by **NEUE ARBEIT**, a subsidiary of **Diakonie Essen gGmbH**, in partnership with Essen's **Public Health and Youth Welfare Offices**, the **Municipal Integration Center**, **Novitas BKK health insurance**, and **AOK Rheinland/Hamburg**.

Juliane Böttcher, head of Essen's Public Health Office, emphasizes: *"iGLo stands for removing barriers, providing clear and accessible information, and delivering healthcare that meets people where they are."* To mark the anniversary, partners and the coordinating office at **NEUE ARBEIT** are reflecting on the program's achievements over the past two decades. Yasemin Akıncı of **NEUE ARBEIT** notes: *"For 20 years, iGLo has made invaluable contributions as an intercultural approach to healthcare—something reflected in the rising number of events."* Since 2023, participation has surged, returning to pre-pandemic levels with over 65 sessions annually. Turkish, Arabic, Russian, and German remain the most frequently requested languages.

The health guides' services are available to institutions free of charge or for a nominal fee, depending on eligibility confirmed with the coordinating office.

For more information, visit **www.neue-arbeit-essen.de/iglo**.

**Published by:** **City of Essen Press and Communications Office** City Hall, Porscheplatz 45121 Essen Phone: +49 201 88-0 (Essen Service Center) Email: **[email protected]** Website: **www.essen.de/presse**