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Greece

Greece

SAMS Hellas: Providing Lifesaving Medical Care for Refugees and Vulnerable Communities

Since 2016, SAMS Hellas has offered essential medical care to refugees and asylum seekers in Greece. Launched in response to the growing humanitarian needs across the region, SAMS has provided both immediate and long-term medical support in refugee camps, hotels, and underserved communities.

Today, over 120,000 asylum seekers remain in Greece, including thousands of unaccompanied children. From mobile clinics in Attica to vaccination campaigns and referral support, SAMS Hellas is a lifeline for refugees navigating displacement and recovery.

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Impact in Greece

175+

Patients served weekly across 7 sites

30% of refugee camps

Medical support to 30% of refugee camps in Greece

Vaccination campaigns

Dozens of vaccination campaigns in coordination with Greek authorities

168+ patients

served through dental and optometry services (Athens 2020)

4 national ministries and NGOs

Active coordination with 4 national ministries and NGOs

SAMS Activities in Greece

Attica Region (2020 – Present)

Mobile Medical Team (MMT)

SAMS provides pediatric, gynecological, and general health services at seven key locations, including refugee camps and temporary accommodations. Services include:

  • Family planning and antenatal care
  • Pediatric check-ups and chronic illness management
  • Routine childhood vaccinations (in coordination with EODY)
  • COVID-19 awareness and hygiene support

Education-Linked Vaccination Campaigns

At the request of Greece’s Ministry of Education, SAMS implemented targeted vaccination campaigns to enable refugee children to enroll in public schools safely and on schedule.

Referrals to Greek Hospitals

Patients with complex needs or high-risk conditions are referred to two Greek public hospitals, ensuring continuity of care.

Medication Support

SAMS provides prescription services and covers medication costs for beneficiaries with chronic illnesses or urgent needs.

Partner Coordination

SAMS Hellas maintains active relationships with EODY, IOM, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education to ensure quality and compliance across services.

Aegean Islands (2016–2018)

Emergency Medical Aid

SAMS supported health screening and primary care on Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Leros, and Kos. Working alongside KEELPNO, SAMS volunteer teams provided:

  • General medical consultations
  • Primary care for newly arrived refugees
  • Treatment for common illnesses and injuries

Volunteer-Led Care

Using a rotational system, SAMS deployed medical teams to treat an estimated 150 patients per island each week, ensuring access to healthcare during peak periods of arrival and crisis.

SAMS Partners

Ministry of Health (Greece)

Ministry of Education (Greece)

EODY (National Organization for Public Health)

IOM (International Organization for Migration)

Seeds of Humanity

Ministry of Health (Greece)

Success Stories

Empowering Mothers and Children in Ritsona Camp

At Ritsona Camp, SAMS Hellas supported a mother with a high-risk pregnancy who had limited access to prenatal care. The MMT provided consistent antenatal monitoring, managing gestational diabetes and guiding her safely through delivery. Her newborn later received pediatric care and routine vaccinations through SAMS, giving both mother and child the support they needed in the most uncertain of times.

Empowering Mothers and Children in Ritsona Camp

At Ritsona Camp, SAMS Hellas supported a mother with a high-risk pregnancy who had limited access to prenatal care. The MMT provided consistent antenatal monitoring, managing gestational diabetes and guiding her safely through delivery. Her newborn later received pediatric care and routine vaccinations through SAMS, giving both mother and child the support they needed in the most uncertain of times.

GALLERY

SAMS Hellas

Greece

Greece