"ASPIRE Project in Bari: Advancing Health Literacy, Rights, and Migrant Care Across Europe" by Carlo Coppola
On January 16, Bari hosted the ASPIRE project conference, focusing on health literacy, intercultural communication, and rights-based care for migrants. Experts, researchers, and educators explored inclusive healthcare models.
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ASPIRE: Health Literacy, Rights, and Care in Migration – European Conference in Bari
On January 16, 2026, the University of Bari “Aldo Moro” hosted the ASPIRE project study day at Palazzo Chiaia-Napolitano, Via Crisanzio. The conference focused on health literacy for migrants, emphasizing effective communication through an interdisciplinary approach combining linguistics, psychology, pedagogy, cultural mediation, law, and medicine.
Discussions highlighted the critical connection between health, language, and migratory trauma. The ability to communicate effectively, understand health information, and navigate healthcare services was identified as essential for addressing emotional vulnerabilities and creating inclusive care pathways. Literacy was framed not merely as technical knowledge but as civic empowerment and recognition of personal identity, especially for women, minors, and individuals exposed to violence or discrimination.
Key contributions came from ASPIRE research fellows Marco Schiralli and Gaia Maria Elena Lafasciano, who presented project methodologies, findings, and practical applications, demonstrating the value of applied research in culturally and linguistically sensitive healthcare communication. Professor Annarita Taronna, scientific coordinator of ASPIRE, highlighted the importance of relationships, mediation, and training as tools to make the right to health effective in complex migratory contexts.
Significant attention was given to linguistic-cultural mediation, Italian as a Second Language (L2), and digital health literacy. Speakers emphasized that intercultural communication is now a strategic skill for healthcare and socio-educational services, requiring the integration of clinical, educational, and social dimensions with gender-sensitive and vulnerability-focused perspectives.
The conference also explored the link between the right to health and migration policies, analyzing regulations for healthcare access, international protection procedures, and local best practices. Discussions reaffirmed that health is a fundamental human right, supported by stable institutional networks and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
The closing session, coordinated by Professor Laura Mitarotondo, synthesized the contributions, highlighting the integration between research and training, as well as the multidimensional approach of the ASPIRE project.
Representatives from CPIA 1 Bari “Alessandro Leogrande” attended, reaffirming their commitment to ongoing collaboration with the University of Bari in research and training. They emphasized their willingness to strengthen ties between CPIA 1 and ASPIRE, offering expertise in language and health literacy, rights education, and structured cooperation between schools, universities, and local communities.
The conference was made possible thanks to the dedication of the organizing committee, including Giuseppe Campesi, Antonietta Curci, Tiziana Lanciano, Rosita Maglie, Laura Mitarotondo, Franca Pesare, Michelina Savino, Annarita Taronna, Francesca Filograsso, Gaia Maria Elena Lafasciano, Erika Magarelli, and Marco Schiralli.
