The Hellenic Initiative Australia’s Public Health Project, delivered by Doctors of the World Greece (MdM Greece), has already provided access to urgent health services to more than 7,000 beneficiaries in 24 months. We anticipate this figure will reach 10,000 by the end of the new grant period.

With an annual grant of AU$100,000 for the past two years, MdM Greece has offered vulnerable people medical consultations, referrals to medical specialists, access to psychological support services, follow-up appointments, and emergency pharmaceuticals.

Highlights from the 2021-2022 Public Health Project

We are delighted that the small team of health professionals and volunteers at the Open Polyclinic in Athens can carry on with this important Project that is saving lives and offering hope to so many people in the Attica region.

KATERINA is 80 years old and has been homeless for quite some time. She has no support network and is living below the poverty threshold, resulting in her neglecting her health. She has been suffering from a cataract disease and recently her eye sight deteriorated significantly.

It is harsh living by the streets. Without MdM-Greece I would have gone blind completely. Now my sight has significantly improved and my health is better than it has been for several years. Thank you.

KATERINA

MdM-Greece’s streetwork team visited her in a location near the port of Piraeus and referred Katerina to the THI Australia Public Health Project where specialist doctors conducted an examination and provided her with the necessary pharmaceuticals.

An advanced level of cataract was found in both her eyes and with the cooperation of the GP and social services, Katerina was immediately referred to a private doctor in the Attica region, who performed the surgery at no cost, due to her social circumstances. MdM-Greece’s team took care of all preparations for the operation including post-surgery pharmaceutical treatment and guidelines for a brief recovery.

VASILIS is 63 years old, born and raised in Peristeri, Central Attica. He is divorced and lost his son in 2006 at the age of 20. He has been a beneficiary of the THI Australia Public Health Project since April 2021 and is suffering from malignant neoplasm in the tongue, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Having worked in a printing house since he was young, Vasilis found himself unemployed in 2014 and has struggled to find employment. His only support mechanism for a very long time was his sister. Following the medical and psychosocial care he has received at the Open Polyclinic Vasilis is now in touch with his daughter.

I don’t know if I would be alive now without the support of the Doctors of the World. I trust them totally and I can rely on them. I am very grateful for all the support that they have provided.

VASILIS

While he is unable to have surgery due to his cardiac complications, Vasilis is receiving medical care and assistance with the necessary pharmaceuticals. Also, the MdM team has secured a place in the MdM homeless shelter and he is now receiving the Social Solidarity Income (KEA).

The Project is proof of the importance of the protection and mobilisation of the most vulnerable communities by addressing immediate health needs and strengthening social inclusion, complementing the NHS services. And for every €1 of investment in the Project, €6 was generated in health, social, and economic value. 

With at least a third of the population in Greece continuing to live on the verge or below the threshold of poverty, we are heartened to know that we can continue to make a visible difference to lives of so many people experiencing hardship. We thank our benefactors, Con and Rita Berbatis, for their generosity and for their commitment towards the Public Health Project for the third consecutive year.

For more information about our health programs supporting vulnerable communities in Greece, please contact Stergitsa at [email protected]