RIVER-EU held a written interview with Nini Lomsadze, Project Manager at the Greek Forum of Migrants, a network comprising 42 migrant and refugee communities and organizations.
In this insightful interview, we dive into the systematic challenges faced by migrants and refugees in Greece regarding access to health services, including vaccination. Nini articulates her vision for an ideal scenario, providing valuable insights into potential solutions to achieve health equity.
RIVER-EU:What are the main challenges that refugees and migrants face when accessing health services in Greece?
Nini: “We can see that the main challenge migrants and refugees face when accessing health services in Greece is their legal status, something that is connected to their health insurance (e.g., “AMKA” or “PAYYPA”, which is equivalent to a ‘social security’ or ‘health insurance’ number). Being undocumented in Greece means that the individual does not have health insurance, and, as a result, doesn’t have access to health services in the public sector.
Another, but also very important factor is the language barrier, since there are many cases where the patient and the doctor are unable to communicate. Religion and cultural differences also play a role, something that leads to distrust towards doctors.”
RIVER-EU: In your opinion, what are the main concerns surrounding vaccination services in Greece?
Nini: “In our experience working with migrants and refugees, we see similar concerns surrounding:
- First, the legal status of the individual and their right to access health services.
- Second and very important, the lack of detailed information about vaccines, where language barriers lead to distrust towards the Greek health system.”
RIVER-EU: What improvements can be made to vaccination services in Greece to alleviate these concerns?
Nini: “One of the main goals of Greek Forum of Migrants is the integration of migrants and refugees in the Greek society. Access to basic services such as education, health, and work are the main factors that drive the integration of individuals into society. Providing information in the languages of migrant and refugee communities regarding vaccines, more generally about the health system in Greece, and ensuring migrant and refugee individuals have g at least temporary AMKA/PAAYPA is one step in the right direction.”
RIVER-EU: What are your thoughts regarding vaccination in general?
Nini: “We believe that vaccines saved and still save humanity. In the beginning of a vaccination session, detailed information should be provided to the patient or the parent in order to avoid mistrust. There is a possibility for mistakes to take place during vaccination but, truthfully, with vaccinations many lives are saved.”
RIVER-EU: In your opinion, what are the key factors that should be addressed that will establish stronger links between health services in Greece and the migrant community?
Nini: “We strongly believe that access to the health system must be given to everybody regardless of their social status, documentation status, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, etc. As an organisation, we recommend providing basic information about vaccines in the languages of the population (residents, migrants, and refugees alike). Having information or a doctor explaining the importance and procedure of vaccination will break distrust toward the health system.”
RIVER-EU: How can a project such as RIVER-EU help strengthen these links and support the migrant community?
Nini: “A project such as RIVER-EU is a great tool for migrants and refugees to be heard; to express difficulties that they have to face in their everyday life. It also serves as an excellent opportunity for the local population to become more informed about what happens in their society.”
RIVER-EU: Finally, what is the key message that you would like to highlight from your involvement in the community?
Nini: “As previously stated, the integration and inclusion of all vulnerable groups in Greek society is crucial. Discrimination in any form should not take place but facing it within the healthcare system is particularly unacceptable.”
Inspired to learn more about RIVER-EU’s work? Check out:
- Contextual challenges faced by underserved communities: Greece, Poland, Slovakia, and the Netherlands
- Vaccine equity interventions: Greece, Poland, Slovakia, and the Netherlands
- Interviews
- Scientific publications