A medical charity working in Greece has diagnosed six children in a migrant facility on the eastern island of Samos with moderate to severe acute malnutrition. The children, aged between 6 months and 6 years, are in need of immediate medical intervention. These children, who arrived in the camp with their families within the last two to three months, are from Afghanistan and Syria. The conditions in the camp have exacerbated their malnutrition, although it is unclear whether they were already suffering from malnutrition before arriving. The lack of nutritious meals and discontinuation of a stipend for asylum seekers have contributed to the children’s deteriorating health.
The migrant camp in Samos, funded by the European Union, is officially designated as a “closed controlled access centre” and has a capacity of 3,664 people. However, as of Monday, it was housing 3,176 people. The camp is guarded by police and private security and is located on a hillside about eight kilometers from the main port of Vathy. The dire conditions in the camp, including poor sanitation and a shortage of running water, have been reported by rights groups. These conditions have worsened the health of the children who have already endured gruelling journeys to arrive in Samos.
Christina Psarra, the Director General of MSF Greece, highlighted the inadequate pediatric care within the camp and on the entire island of Samos. She emphasized that while meals are provided for the camp’s residents, the diet is not nutritious for children of the affected ages. The malnourished children on Samos have been through painful journeys and have faced numerous difficulties in arriving. The situation in the camp has further aggravated their medical condition. The Ministry of Migration and Asylum has yet to respond to the MSF claims regarding the malnutrition diagnosis of the children in the camp.
Greece serves as a popular route into the EU for individuals fleeing conflict and poverty in regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Many individuals embark on treacherous boat journeys from the Turkish coast to nearby Greek islands like Samos in small, unseaworthy inflatable dinghies. Tragically, last week, at least seven people, including three children, perished near the Greek island of Lesbos after the dinghy they were traveling in sank. Another 23 individuals survived and were taken to a migrant camp in Lesbos. The perilous nature of these journeys, coupled with the challenging conditions in migrant camps, continues to pose significant risks to those seeking refuge in Europe.
The MSF diagnosis of malnutrition in the children on Samos underscores the critical need for improved access to proper pediatric care and adequate nutrition within migrant facilities. The charity’s findings shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by asylum seekers in Greece and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to address the health and well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly children. Concerted efforts from both governmental and non-governmental organizations are essential to mitigate the suffering of individuals fleeing conflict and instability in search of safety and protection in Europe.
