The Situation in Greece
In recent years, Greece has implemented restrictive policies that have resulted in a reduction in the number of refugee camps and the end of accommodation programs for refugees. The Greek public healthcare system also faces shortages of staff and equipment, and many associations have ceased their programs due to insufficient funding.
Within the camps, beneficiaries face numerous barriers to healthcare: difficult living conditions, lack of doctors and translators, treatment costs, and more. Undocumented individuals also fear seeking care in public hospitals due to the risk of arrest, even in emergencies.
To address this situation, we have been working in northern Greece since the end of 2023 to provide medical care to vulnerable people.
Choosing Our Partner
Since 2018, the French association Med’EqualiTeam has provided free medical care to displaced or vulnerable populations. It relies entirely on donations and private grants and receives no government funding.
Med’EqualiTeam operated for three years on the Greek island of Samos before moving to Poland in 2022 to support Ukrainian refugees and carried out an emergency project in Libya in 2023.
The association aims to provide high-quality professional care and fill critical gaps in healthcare access caused by a lack of services, translation, financial barriers, and more.
Since the end of 2023, a mobile unit has been operating in northern Greece.
Our Commitment
To respond to this situation and the growing urgency on the ground, Van For Life became actively involved on January 1, 2025. Our rapid and targeted interventions have mobilized logistical resources to strengthen and expand the existing system. Combining our resources with those of our partner significantly increases access to healthcare in the areas where it is most needed.
Shared Goal
In line with our values and fundamental human rights, it is unacceptable that, in 2025, people traveling across Europe are at risk due to lack of access to healthcare. We therefore combine medical and logistical expertise to provide primary healthcare in an equitable, sustainable, and effective manner.
Our medical team consists of 5–8 professional volunteer healthcare workers, supervised by three volunteer coordinators responsible for various organizational aspects. They are overseen by the project coordinator, a general practitioner. Translators also support our medical activities, while field operations are organized by a team of logisticians.
Supported Activities
Medical Care
Our mobile clinic allows us to reach those in greatest need and provide our medical expertise. Beyond immediate care, our consultations include pharmaceutical services, medical advice, and referrals when necessary.
Orientation & Reception :
- Reduced waiting times
- Effective identification of urgent cases
Translation :
- On-site, with volunteer refugees
- Online, via our partner Tarjimly
Consultations & treatments :
- Adapted and high-quality
- Accessible to all
- Special attention to women and children
Health Education Program
For long-term improvement, we aim to strengthen local capacities and empower stakeholders through health education sessions and first aid training. These programs are designed for volunteers and vulnerable individuals and are delivered at the premises of 9 partner NGOs.
Health Education :
- Topics chosen by the community: women’s health, mental health, hygiene, basic medical advice
First Aid :
- Two levels of training: life-saving techniques, adult and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Impacts & Results
Development Perspectives
Expanding the Existing Network …
Further Needs :
- A full-time Van For Life coordinator dedicated to this project
- Purchase of a second vehicle
