Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has reported that six children at the migrant facility on the Greek island of Samos have been diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition. The children, aged six months to six years, all arrived from Syria and Afghanistan with their families within the last three months. The urgent medical cases highlight the worsening conditions inside the camp and the need for immediate intervention.

This is the first time MSF has encountered such severe malnutrition cases at the facility since it opened in 2021. The children, who are in desperate need of medical care, have been suffering from inadequate nutrition, which has worsened their already fragile health due to the dire conditions in the camp.

Poor Conditions in Samos Camp Lead to Health Crisis

Christina Psarra, the director of MSF Greece, stated that one in four camp residents are children, yet Samos offers very limited pediatric care, both within the camp and across the island. She explained that the poor conditions in the camp have contributed significantly to the deterioration of the children’s health. Although authorities provide meals, they lack the necessary nutritional value, especially for young children.

Nine months ago, Greece made the controversial decision to cut financial support to asylum seekers, which eliminated their access to fresh food and other essentials. As a result, families are unable to supplement the poor diets provided in the camp. These cuts have left the most vulnerable, especially children, at risk of malnutrition and other health issues.

Overcrowding and Lack of Services Exacerbate the Crisis

The Samos facility was built by the European Union in 2021 to replace a previously overcrowded settlement near the island’s Vathy port. The camp is located eight kilometers from the port and was designed to house 3,664 people. However, the camp is currently home to 3,176 residents, putting pressure on the limited resources and services available.

The facility is designated as a “closed controlled access center,” with guards and private security monitoring the site. Rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about the camp’s poor sanitation, lack of running water, and overcrowded conditions. These issues not only make life difficult for the residents but also contribute to the spread of diseases and malnutrition.

In addition to the harsh living conditions, many of the children in the camp have already endured trauma from their dangerous journeys. Many of the migrants arrive in Greece after risking their lives in fragile inflatable boats across the Aegean Sea from Turkey. These perilous crossings are often the beginning of their struggles, with many migrants suffering from the physical and psychological tolls of their journeys.

“The journey alone takes a toll; the camp’s conditions only make it worse,” Psarra emphasized. The children in the camp are already traumatized by their dangerous crossings and the uncertainty they face, only to find themselves in a camp that fails to meet their basic needs.

The Ongoing Crisis of Migrant Crossings in the Aegean Sea

Samos, like many Greek islands, remains a key entry point for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty from regions across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Despite the perilous journey, thousands of people continue to make the dangerous sea crossing in search of safety in the European Union. Many rely on fragile inflatable boats to navigate the Aegean Sea, risking their lives in the hope of reaching a safer future.

Tragically, last week, another deadly incident occurred when a dinghy capsized near Lesbos, killing seven people, including three children. The survivors, 23 people in total, were rescued and brought to a camp on the island. These incidents highlight the ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe and the urgent need for improved safety measures and support for those making these dangerous journeys.

Urgent Calls for Improvement in Nutrition and Healthcare

Despite the dire situation, Greek authorities have not yet publicly responded to MSF’s report on the conditions at the Samos facility. Psarra and her team are calling for immediate improvements to the camp’s nutrition and healthcare services to ensure that the children, as well as other vulnerable residents, receive the care they need to survive and thrive.

“The health and well-being of these children must be a priority,” Psarra stated. “We urge the authorities to take swift action to improve the camp’s conditions, ensure access to proper nutrition, and provide adequate medical care for all residents, especially the children.”

In the meantime, MSF continues to provide medical assistance to the children and families at the camp, hoping to prevent further suffering and loss of life. However, the organization’s team remains concerned that without significant changes, the situation will continue to worsen, and more children will fall victim to malnutrition and other health issues.

A Call for International Responsibility

The situation in the Samos migrant facility is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by migrants and refugees in Greece and across Europe. While European countries have made efforts to address the migration crisis, more needs to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of those arriving, especially children. The international community must take responsibility for the conditions faced by vulnerable migrants and work together to provide support and solutions.

As Greece continues to grapple with the migrant crisis, the need for better oversight, better healthcare, and better living conditions in refugee camps has never been more urgent. The international community must step up and provide the resources and political will needed to address the root causes of migration and to ensure that the basic rights of migrants are upheld.