ECDC/WHO joint mission report: Increased influx of migrants at the Greek–Turkish border
In April 2011, upon request from the Greek Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity, a joint ECDC/WHO Regional Office for Europe mission was undertaken to Greece to assess the situation related to the increased migration at the Greek–Turkish border. The objective of the mission was to assist Greek health authorities in assessing the public health risks related to the increased migration and to communicable diseases in particular.
Executive Summary
In April 2011 a joint ECDC/WHO Regional Office for Europe mission was sent to the Greek–Turkish border to assist the Greek health authorities in assessing the public health risk related to the increased migration in the region, with an emphasis on communicable diseases. The Greek Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity requested the mission following the increased influx of migrants in 2010, as well as the potentially increased migratory flows in the future.
During 2010 the number of migrants crossing the Greek–Turkish border, in the region of the Evros prefecture, increased more than tenfold. Due to the volatile situation in North Africa, their number is expected to increase further.
The expert team evaluated the public health situation of the migrants, such as current disease surveillance in place, main health conditions, access to healthcare. They also identified potential public health needs in case of further increased migration and proposed future actions and collaborations.
The joint ECDC/WHO mission report on the visit presents a summary of the situation in the detention centres and recommendations to improve the health condition of detained migrants and minimise the risk of communicable disease outbreaks.