ASSOCIATION DOCTORS OF THE WORLD-GREEK DEPARTMENT

Association Doctors of the World – Greek Department (hereinafter MdM-Greece) is a humanitarian organization following its mission based on the particularities of Greece, and maintaining its economic and administrative independence. Operating continuously for the past 30 years, it has earned a place in people’s mind as a reliable and efficient organization promoting the sentiment of solidarity of the Greek society. With dozens of humanitarian aid missions in Greece and developing countries, Greek doctors, health workers, and administration staff offer their voluntary services. On the field, MdM-Greece, maintaining its independence, both operationally and financially, implements projects and programmes aiming to provide humanitarian aid to populations in need. MdM-Greece, in difficult times of budgetary restraints for NGOs in Greece, has managed to expand its activities with limited funding, by promoting voluntary work (more than 500 active volunteers) and by following concrete and transparent implementation standards. At the same time MdM-Greece remains part of the International Network of MdM which consists of 16 chapters worldwide. The guiding principle underlying MdM’s activities is that every human being has a right to humanitarian assistance, irrespective of their ethnic origin, religion, ideology or political persuasion. MdM-Greece is, therefore, guided by the principles of neutrality and impartiality. Being neutral, however, does not preclude MdM from engaging into advocacy work. The mission of Doctors of the World is to protect and promote the right to health. As a movement of committed professionals made up of volunteers and salaried staff, we provide medical services, bear witness and - strengthened by our diversity - support disadvantaged populations in terms of their empowerment and joined advocacy for relevant and needed social changes. MDM-Greece supports the vulnerable and the marginalized, the poor and the needy. We design and implement a variety of health as well as multi-sectoral projects, spanning from emergency response to longer term objectives, such as harm reduction and communities' resilience. We campaign for state-organized health systems that are accessible to all and founded on the principles of equity and solidarity. Our advocacy is humanitarian and evidence-based: we see ourselves as the vehicles that transfer our beneficiaries voice rather than making our own points; we strive to empower this voice, by enhancing the means and capacities of the people to bring the change they desire into their lives. Currently MdM-Greece runs various projects as a response to the increasing needs created by the recent socio-economic and migratory crisis in Greece which include but are not limited to: • Operation of 3 Open Polyclinics: 1 in Athens (since 1997), 1 in Piraeus (since 2016) and 1 in Thessaloniki (since 2001), while they also maintain a health office in Kavala (since 2007). • Operation of 2 accommodation centers: One night-shelter for homeless population with a capacity of 55 people and 1 mid-term accommodation facility for women at risk, both in Athens. • Operation of a center for the empowerment of children and adolescents at risk of social exclusion in Athens • Operation of medical mobile units offering medical services to people living in isolated and remote places all around Greece • Provision of medical services and psychosocial support to migrants and refugees stranded at the entry point of Lesvos • Operation of a harm reduction team for homeless drug users in Athens • Outreach support to homeless persons through street-work activities in Athens and Piraeus • Social and medical services in remote islands that lack medical facilities (Chalki and Folegandros) • Provision of psychosocial support to the fire-stricken population of eastern Attica (Marathonas-Nea Makri, RafinaPikermi) • Emergency Covid-19 prevention and control activities countrywide in coordination with the public authorities (National