Greece: assessing health systems capacity to manage large influx of refugees and migrants in an evolving context: report of the joint Ministry of Health and WHO assessment implemented in Greece from 27 November to 4 December 2019

Overview

Further to the increased numbers of refugees and migrants arriving at Greece's land and sea borders, the Greek Government and WHO conducted a joint assessment of the health systems capacity to manage large influx of refugees and migrants in an evolving context in December 2019. The assessment team visited first reception centres, referral health centres and hospitals and conducted interviews and focus group discussions with all key stakeholders. Based on the findings, the main recommendations included improving living conditions in migrant centres, strengthening the Greek national health strategy and the health contingency plan, and strengthening the health infrastructure and primary health-care services in the islands.