On July 26, the Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO) called for the closure of reception centers for migrants and refugees across Greece.
According to KEELPNO, the centers pose series of risks for public health.
KEELPNO officials visited 16 centers in northern Greece between July 4 and July 8.
Officials concluded that the venues, usually former industrial warehouses, present poor living conditions.
The overall picture of the reception centers “is concerning” the report said and adds that Greek authorities did not consult with sanitary authorities before deciding on their locations.
According to the report:
- The centers have inadequate ventilation and access to running water
- There is an accumulation of waste and trash near the venues
- There are concerns about the presence of heavy metals in the water and asbestos in the roof of the Karamanlis former tannery
- The centers are adjacent to areas that attract large number of mosquito populations, exposing migrants and refugees to insect-borne diseases
Noting that the majority of migrants are staying in Greece for a long term period, the report suggests that they will be gradually relocated within cities and integrated into Greek society.