The situation
Greece has been the gateway to Europe for hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants, many of whom have made extremely dangerous crossings by boat to the Greek islands. As Greece deals with the consequences of its own economic crisis, the Government’s capacity to deal with the large numbers of new arrivals has been stretched to breaking point.
After the closure of the border with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the EU agreeing a resettlement deal with Turkey in March, the future for those seeking refuge elsewhere in Europe remains highly uncertain. Tens of thousands people are trapped in limbo in dozens of camps across the islands and mainland. Many are living in extremely poor conditions: overcrowded, unsanitary camps and inadequate healthcare provision all present significant hazards for migrants’ wellbeing.
People here have travelled far beyond breaking point on journeys they never wanted to undertake. Many have bullet wounds: all have lost homes, families, friends, and certainties.
Dr Andrew Moscop, Doctors of the World volunteer
Our Humanitarian Work
Doctors of the World has been working in Greece since 1990.
Open Polyclinics
The social structures of the Open Polyclinics have been operating for more than 25 years based on the voluntary participation of health professionals with the main objective of bridging Public Health with primary health care services as well as facilitating and linking vulnerable social groups that do not have
the required access to the National Health System. The Open Polyclinics operate in central and easily accessible locations in Athens and Thessaloniki.
Social Dental Clinic
The operation of the Social Dental Clinic flls a signifcant gap by providing not only the necessary dental care to vulnerable children and adults but also systematic information and education aimed at adopting behavioral patterns and habits that lead to the improvement of oral health. The beneficiaries of the program also include unaccompanied minors and children living in child protection facilities or in precarious and temporary accommodation.
Women and Children
Our teams provide free access to specialised women’s health care services through a comprehensive
sexual and reproductive health program. Targeting the most vulnerable women, eliminating difficulties during pregnancy and maternity. Within the framework of paediatric care, they cover the health and regular vaccination needs of children, while taking care of other issues related to child health, such
as the creation and monitoring of the health booklet and the completion of Individual Student Health Forms (IHPF).
Prevention and Health Promotion
Our Open Polyclinics and Mobile Health Units serve as access points to information on the prevention of infectious diseases and timely vaccination. In this context, vaccination and information campaigns are carried out for primary prevention and proper information of the general public and especially the vulnerable groups who lack access to valid and scientifically based health information. At the same time, personal protection and hygiene items are regularly distributed to vulnerable families in need, while rapid tests for STDs are also carried out for those visitors who wish to receive them, in order to enhance prevention.
Harm Reduction in Athens, Thessaloniki and the Islands of North-East Aegean
Our harm reduction activities are among the longest-running ones within the organisation’s public health programmes (“Streets of Athens” and “Streets of Thessaloniki”). They are primarily focused to raise awareness and provide information in the scope of the organisation’s broader strategic effort to com-
bat discrimination and the exclusion of marginalised groups from access to safe and appropriate health services. At the same time, on-site harm reduction and primary health care and psychosocial counselling activities are carried out for addicted people in the centre of Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as on the islands of the north-eastern Aegean. Through the project, the goal is to promote voluntary testing in the community, early diagnosis, referral, testing and treatment of HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases through peer outreach and support.
Improving Reception Conditions for Refugees
Having been present on the island since 2012, the organisation continues to operate within reception facilities of Lesvos in order to meet the needs of third-country nationals, with emphasis on sexual and reproductive health, women and children’s health care, health education and health promotion. At the same time, in the context of supporting the inhabitants of the island, our teams provide information and awareness-raising activities regarding public health to local educational and social structures in Lesvos.
Outreach Activities for People Struggling with Homelessness in Athens and Piraeus
The operation of our Nightshelter is addressed to that part of the population that lives in precarious
conditions and is exposed to serious health and safety risks.
Homeless people are offered psychosocial support services within the facility, which, in addition to housing, cover basic material needs, personal hygiene needs and (re)integration. The capacity of the structure is 55 persons. In addition, in order to reach and provide medical and social assistance to the growing number of homeless people within the urban tissue, we carry out street work activities on a weekly basis, with on-site interventions in areas of central Athens and Piraeus. The street work team,
consisting of experienced professionals and volunteers, provides medical care, social counselling, liaison and information to homeless people about where they can get help, while providing basic necessities (sleeping bags, blankets), as well as snacks and water.
Open Accommodation Centre
The Open Accommodation Centre “A Step Forward” operates 24 hours a day, throughout the week in order to provide quality housing conditions and support services on a daily basis, for vulnerable women and their children at risk, in a comprehensive manner. Its scope of operation is to protect and support the
beneficiaries who are found in a state of homelessness or living in precarious conditions, while also ensuring quality standards of housing, psychosocial empowerment and legal assistance as well as all necessary services.
