Greece

Restrictive EU and Greek migration policies continued to have a negative impact on the health and dignity of asylum seekers and migrants arriving in Greece in 2021. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) continued to denounce the policies that have trapped thousands of people in terrible conditions on Greek islands.

In 2023, MSF staff witnessed the severe toll that precarious living conditions, arbitrary asylum procedures and fear of deportation was taking on people’s physical and mental health. Our teams conducted 31,600 outpatient consultations and 7,370 individual mental health consultations throughout the year.

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.

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.

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