Health for all in Greece
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Eleonas Camp is an open accommodation centre for asylum seekers, one of 37 camps in Greece. The 1700 residents are free to move in and out of the camp, and even leave if they wish. It has a village-like atmosphere – open doors, children riding bikes, playing and going to and from school, people cooking dinner.
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Mohammad, from Syria, has lived at Eleonas Camp since October 2017. He teaches English, and is learning Greek. In addition to using a wheelchair, Mohammad takes medicine to manage his diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems. His greatest hope is to be reunited with his wife and 2 daughters, who he has not seen for 3 years, and return to Syria when the conflict ends.
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Residents at Eleonas Camp have free access to a primary health care (PHC) clinic, as well as a dental clinic. These services are coordinated by the Ministry of Health and provided by the Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, which helps all migrants to access medical support, cultural mediation and guidance in using the health system.
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As part of its health system reform, Greece has – for the first time – developed unified PHC services to serve all people in the country, with guidance from WHO. These services are based on community PHC units, known as TOMYs. Dr Jakab and Dr Tedros chatted with staff – here Dr Irini Kouki – at 1 of the 94 units that has already been established.
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WHO/Europe has been working with the Greek government for several years on migration health and health system issues, so that its Primary Health Reform Plan follows WHO policy recommendations. Ensuring that the country’s public health services can manage large influxes of migrants is an essential part of this work.
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“Standing shoulder to shoulder with the Ministry of Health, we have made significant efforts that will continue to contribute to improving the health of the Greek people, including the most vulnerable,” said Dr Jakab during the visit.
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“Health is my government’s priority, and we need to do more. WHO’s presence in Greece will be significant for our strengthened collaboration. We want your advice, and monitoring too,” said Mr Alexis Tsipras, Prime Minister of Greece, at a meeting with Dr Tedros and Dr Jakab.
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“The investments you are making will generate a return not only in terms of better health, but also in terms of poverty reduction, job creation, inclusive economic growth and health security,” said Dr Tedros, referring to Greece’s health system reforms.
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Dr Andreas Xanthos, Minister of Health of Greece, Dr Jakab and Dr Tedros, inaugurated the new WHO Country Office in Greece on 20 June 2018.