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Samos Operational Update

Asylum seekers and refugees continue to arrive in Greece in search for safety. We provide first aid to people coming to the Greek islands Lesvos and Samos, and sexual and reproductive healthcare to migrants in Athens.

Our activities in 2023 in Greece

Data and information from the International Activity Report 2023.

MSF in Greece in 2023 Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) assists migrants, refugees and asylum seekers arriving in Greece, many of whom have endured trauma in their home countries, on their journeys or at European borders.
Greece IAR map 2023

In 2023, restrictive European Union and Greek migration policies continued to take a severe toll on the physical and mental health of people seeking safety in Europe. Many of those arriving in Greece, whether by sea or land, were reportedly pushed back or placed in Closed Controlled Access Centres (CCACs) and later released into the country with little to no assistance.

Throughout 2023, our teams in Greece documented people’s reports of degrading treatment, including physical violence at sea or on arrival on the islands of Samos and Lesbos. The dire humanitarian situation was compounded as more and more people arriving were placed inside CCACs, and the majority were operating beyond their capacity. As a result, there was a lack of basic items such as bed covers, food, water, and hygiene supplies, and services, resulting in various avoidable health conditions, including respiratory and skin infections. The conditions also further impacted people’s mental health.

Our teams continued to provide timely and essential medical and psychological assistance to people on arrival, inside camps, and within the community. We run day centres and/or mobile clinics in Athens and on Lesbos and Samos, as well as providing emergency medical assistance for new arrivals. Our comprehensive response includes general healthcare, mental health support, and sexual and reproductive health services.

Our teams also treat patients with infectious and non-communicable diseases, and victims and survivors of sexual violence and torture. To ensure that people receive the necessary support, our multidisciplinary approach also comprises health promotion, intercultural mediation, and social and legal services.

During the year, MSF teams offered emergency medical and psychological first aid to thousands of people upon disembarkation on Lesbos and Samos, and organised hospital referrals for those needing further care. Finally, following massive floods in the region of Thessaly, our teams provided assistance to people affected.

Read more: https://www.msf.org/plain-sight-migration-policies-greek-sea-borders

 

in 2023
 
Greece: MSF mobile clinics with midwifes and psychlogist in Elliniko camp (Athens)
Greece

Voices from Elliniko

Voices from the Field 25 May 2016
 
Greece: MSF mobile clinics with midwifes and psychlogist in Elliniko camp (Athens)
Greece

Anxiety and depression in Elliniko sports stadium

Project Update 25 May 2016
 
Mothers in MSF clinic, Idomeni Greece.
Greece

MSF resumes activities in Idomeni after clashes and tear gas cause a temporary suspension

Project Update 19 May 2016
 
Samos, Greece
Mediterranean migration

MSF calls for immediate opening of 'hotspots'

Press Release 18 May 2016
 
Idomeni
Mediterranean migration

The mismanagement and poor planning Europe is demonstrating is beyond belief

Project Update 12 May 2016
 
Ioannina, Greece
Project Update

Testimony from Yazidi refugees in Katsikas Camp, Greece

Voices from the Field 12 May 2016
 
#safepassage action in Lesbos
Mediterranean migration

In 2016 who still counts as human?

Statement 12 May 2016
 
Portrait of Conor Kenny
Syria

The shadow of Syria

Voices from the Field 6 May 2016
 
Moria Reception Centre in Lesbos, Greece
Mediterranean migration

EU Migration Crisis Update - May 2016

Crisis Update 6 May 2016