An analytical and research project for marginalized and homeless people in the city of Rome has been set up by MAGIS Foundation, a missionary work of the Jesuits of the Euro-Mediterranean Province, together with the Solidarity Medicine Association, Intersos, and the shared COVID 19 Laboratory of the University of Rome, Tor Vergata.

Magis’ responsibility was the procurement of kits for rapid testing and providing human resources which amounted to a total of 15,000 euro. The screening phase commenced at the end of April.

It is estimated that about a thousand people will be reached through the Solidarity Medicine clinics (including that of St. Peter’s Portico) and by the INTERSOS mobile clinics in the peripheral areas of Rome. In the case of patients suspected with covid-19, rapid testing will be performed. At the same, in the case of a positive test outcome, a blood test will follow for a serologic confirmation.

Cryolab, a spinoff of the Tor Vergata University of Rome will perform research in epidemiology thus contributing towards the research of the vaccine as well as research in cryopreservation will be carried at a recognised facility of  the Ministry of Health, National Transplant Centre and National Blood Centre.

"The virus", the General of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Arturo Sosa SJ reminds us, "is showing us that we are one humanity and we can only live as one body". "And we are also moving as a single body during this time of emergency" Fr. Renato Colizzi SJ, president of Magis recalls. "The challenges that we are being faced with during the present moment are enormous but, with the support of many, we can manage to be close to the most vulnerable".

MAGIS – The Action Movement of the Italian Jesuits for Development - is the foundation that coordinates the international collaborative activities of the Italian Jesuits. 38 projects have been established in 21 countries. Set up in 1988, MAGIS has always been committed to supporting vulnerable communities in the poorest countries of the world through the implementation of humanitarian aid programs. In addition to the traditional international collaborative activity, MAGIS carries out informative, educational and formation activities and projects in Italy, education activities for global citizenship and intercultural and interreligious dialogue to foster and promote the culture of solidarity.