La presa in carico sanitaria dei minori stranieri non accompagnati in arrivo dalla rotta balcanica. L’esperienza di Trieste

Trieste represents a strategic endpoint of the Western Balkan Route and a key observation point for unaccompanied foreign minors (UAMs) migrating to Europe. This paper describes the development and implementation of an integrated healthcare model aimed at identifying health needs and providing timely responses for UAMs hosted in reception facilities in Trieste. The model is based on early, systematic nursing assessments conducted within 48 hours of arrival, supported by standardized tools addressing physical, mental, and social health determinants. Close collaboration between third-sector organizations, local health authorities, and academic institutions enabled access to primary care, medical consultations, and psychological support, reducing inappropriate emergency department use. This experience highlights the feasibility and effectiveness of community-based, low-threshold healthcare strategies to improve health outcomes and system sustainability for highly vulnerable migrant populations.