The Prolepsis Institute, in cooperation with EuroHealthNet (the European Partnership for Improving Health, Equity, and Wellbeing), organized a two-day Country Exchange Visit on December 12 and 13, 2017, in Athens, aiming to encourage the exchange of best practices and policies on  immigrant and refugee health. 

Mr. Andreas Gougoulis, Secretary General for Reception and Identification of the Greek Ministry for Migration Policy, representatives of public health organizations, academics and representatives of non-governmental organizations providing support and services to refugees and immigrants were among the participants of the Country Exchange Visit. 

 

During the first day of the Country Exchange Visit issues regarding the conditions of reception and hosting of immigrants and refugees, their access to health services and primary health care were discussed. On-site visits at the open refugee hosting structure of Elaionas and the Day Center of the organization Doctors without Borders were also organized. 

 

Significant European initiatives in the field of health and in reducing inequalities in the field of health care were presented on the second day of the event. The Prolepsis Institute presented Mig-HealthCare, a project that aims to facilitate the access of refugees and immigrants to health care and support their integration into European communities, as well as the PROMOVAX Programme, which aims to promote vaccinations among migrant population in Europe. Moreover, a visit was also made to the Day Center “Babel”, which aims to cater to the needs of immigrants’ mental health in Athens.

 

EuroHealthNet, member whereof is the Prolepsis Institute, regularly organizes exchange visits between European public health organizations, which are co-financed by the EU Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI). The visits encourage the exchange of the best practices and policies on issues promoting health.

 

The Prolepsis Institute is the lead partner of the Mig-HealthCare program which aims to reduce health inequalities by improving the services for the physical and mental health of immigrants and refugees. More information about the Mig-HealthCare project can be found here.