Médecins du Monde Greece was immediately activated with continuous missions of Mobile Medical Units in the region of Thessaly after the severe weather phenomena, which disproportionately affected the lowland areas of central Greece and especially Thessaly.
With the support of The Hellenic Initiative, one of the most important and active non-profit organizations of the Greek diaspora, MdM-Greece has been able to deploy medical units, provide supplies and offer free medical and mental health support.
October- December: 1.250 beneficiaries were reached
During the first phase of the MdM-Greece response, the field teams present in the affected areas provided immediate health care, support and assistance to residents, who reported extreme living conditions and housing risks. In particular, MdM-Greece distributed more than 6.000 items of essential NFIs packages, 500 people received direct support through health services and the Médecins du Monde team had already visited 26 affected communities.
Moreover, under the guidance of and in cooperation with the local authorities, the Médecins du Monde team met with local leaders such as the presidents of local communities in order to identify needs and provide support services such as the distribution of health and information material, personal and general hygiene materials (antiseptics, wet wipes, sachets, masks, bleach), medical counseling services and referral and distribution of pharmaceuticals on a case-by-case basis.
Overall, as far as the direct provision of healthcare services is concerned, during the whole quarter a total of 404 beneficiaries were reached, through both the operation of the Office at Thessaly and consequent deployments of the Mobile Medical Unit. Through the consecutive distribution of health essentials to protect specific health-related incidents, a catchment of approximately 1.250 were reached throughout the quarter period of Oct-Dec 2023 and an estimated population of 3.400 permanent residents were reached through the distribution of PPEs. In addition, 177 people received psychosocial support.
The situation in the wider region of Thessaly remains particularly difficult, with residents continuing to live under adverse conditions, having experienced the loss of their own people and watching their property disappear into the mud.
Local Office of MdM Greece in Thessaly
The added financial assistance from The Hellenic Initiative allowed MdM-Greece to continue its activities, assess and address both the immediate and long-term relief needs of the affected people.
MdM-Greece has been at the side of the affected people from the very first moment, demonstrating their solidarity with the people of Thessaly and still remains in the area having established a local Office providing immediate, safe and uninterrupted access to basic support for the flood victims as well as for vulnerable people in need of assistance.
Together, we can help rebuild the lives of flood-affected communities in Thessaly. The impact of every donation is great, providing hope and meaningful support to those who need it most.
