Category: Global Health

International Migrants Day – 18 December

Health without borders: equal access to care as a human right

International Migrants Day is observed every year on 18 December, marking the date in 1990 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. The day is not only about population movement, but about fundamental rights, dignity, and—above all—equitable access to health care for all, regardless of origin or legal status.

Global Statistics

Globally, more than 281 million people currently live outside their country of birth, representing approximately 3.6% of the world’s population (International Organization for Migration – World Migration Report).

Migrants and refugees consistently face health inequalities driven by barriers such as language, limited health literacy, insecure housing and employment, and fear of exclusion from health systems. According to the World Health Organization, social determinants of health play a decisive role in access to prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, resulting in poorer health outcomes for migrant populations.

These inequalities are further compounded among particularly vulnerable groups, including children and young people, women, and individuals without stable legal status. In cases of serious or chronic illness—such as cancer—delayed diagnosis, interruptions in treatment and lack of psychosocial support can have a profound impact on disease outcomes and quality of life.

Situation in Greece

Within the Greek context, the country continues to serve as both a host and transit point for migrants and refugees. According to data from Eurostat and the Hellenic Statistical Authority, a significant proportion of the population residing in Greece consists of third-country nationals, while access to comprehensive health services remains uneven, particularly for young people and individuals with increased care needs. Despite existing legal provisions, practical barriers persist in prevention, continuity of care and psychosocial support.

In oncology, these challenges become even more pronounced. Cancer does not discriminate, yet access to care is often shaped by social and economic factors. The need for culturally sensitive, accessible and continuous health services is critical to ensure that no person is left unsupported when facing a cancer diagnosis.

In this context, Kapa3 has long worked to highlight social inequalities in health and to promote holistic cancer care for all people, regardless of background. In 2024, a targeted support initiative for refugees and migrants living with cancer was implemented through the programme “Cancer May Control your Body for a While, But Not Your Soul”, with the support of the King Baudouin Foundation.

The action focused on the regions of Macedonia and Thrace, addressing refugees and migrants in the area, with particular emphasis on the 15–24 age group, aiming to provide immediate primary care assistance and continuous support throughout the course of their treatment.

International Migrants Day is a reminder that health is a human right, not a privilege. Ensuring equitable access to care—especially for those most at risk—is a shared responsibility of institutions, health professionals and society as a whole.

A fair and healthy society is one that leaves no one behind.

Sources:

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

World AIDS Day — December 1

World AIDS Day is a powerful reminder that the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over. Despite remarkable progress in recent decades, millions of people worldwide are still living with the virus. At the same time, inequalities in access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment continue to cost lives.

Established in 1988 as the first international health-related awareness day, World AIDS Day has since served as a global call for informed action, early diagnosis, destigmatization and equitable care.

What We Know Today About HIV/AIDS

According to recent UNAIDS data, more than 39 million people are living with HIV globally — and thanks to modern treatments, they can live full and healthy lives.

The science is encouraging. Antiretroviral therapy (ART/ARVs) allows people on treatment to reach undetectable viral loads, which means they cannot transmit the virus (“Undetectable = Untransmittable”).

Yet despite this progress, new infections still occur — mainly in communities facing social exclusion, economic hardship, or limited access to healthcare services. At the same time, lack of information and persistent stigma remain major barriers that delay testing and treatment.

HIV & Cancer: An Important Connection

The link between HIV and several forms of cancer isn’t widely known, yet it is significant:

  • People living with HIV have a higher risk of cervical cancer due to the more persistent presence of HPV.
  • Increased risk is also observed for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma and several cancers associated with chronic viral infections.
  • Early diagnosis, continuous treatment and regular screening significantly reduce these risks.

At Kapa3, we have published articles on the importance of screening and patient empowerment, which you can find here: Article1, Article2, Article3, Article4, Article5.

The Situation in Greece

Greece has made important progress in recent years, thanks to the operation of Checkpoints, the support of NGOs and prevention structures, the spread of PrEP, and improved access to treatment.

In 2024, Greece recorded a small decrease (4%) in new HIV diagnoses compared to 2023, according to the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY). However, underdiagnosis remains a real concern. Many people avoid timely testing due to stigma and fear of discrimination.

Prevention: What Each of Us Can Do

  • Testing: a simple test can save lives.
  • Condom use & comprehensive sexual education.
  • PrEP & PEP: modern and effective prevention tools.
  • Eliminating stigma: information and open dialogue remain our strongest forms of protection.
  • Supporting facilities that provide access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
A Human Rights Issue

At Kapa3, we believe World AIDS Day concerns all of us. Access to healthcare is a fundamental right. No one should be afraid to get tested, speak openly or seek support.

According to International Human Rights Law, discrimination based on HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, health status (including substance use), or sex work constitutes a violation of human rights.

World AIDS Day reminds us that knowledge, prevention and solidarity save lives — and that a world without new HIV infections is possible.

Sources

  • UNAIDS
  • HIV.gov
  • AIDS Healthcare Foundation
  • EODY (Hellenic National Public Health Organization)

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the fight against cancer.The European Cancer Organisation’s “Harnessing AI for Cancer Care in Europe” report

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the fight against cancer, enabling machines to learn, reason, and assist humans in detecting, diagnosing and treating the disease more accurately and efficiently. It works by analysing vast amounts of data, learning patterns, and making predictions or recommendations to support human decision-making.

Cancer care is rapidly transforming with the use of AI, which serves as a powerful tool in prevention, detection, treatment and research of the disease. The European Cancer Organisation’s “Harnessing AI for Cancer Care in Europe” report states that AI has the potential to transform every stage of the cancer pathway. Simultaneously, the report emphasises the need for AI to be used responsibly, by protecting patients, upholding ethical standards, and aligning with European values, to ensure its benefits are delivered fairly and effectively across healthcare systems.

The Promise of AI in Cancer Care

The report highlights several ways AI can improve cancer outcomes across the care pathway. In primary prevention, AI can analyse genetic, environmental, and lifestyle data to identify high-risk patients and guide preventive strategies before symptoms appear. For early detection, AI can dramatically speed up screening, reducing test interpretation from days to hours, improving accuracy, and lowering missed diagnoses. In diagnostics, deep-learning models trained on large datasets can detect even the smallest lesions, prioritise urgent cases, and support more precise diagnoses. AI also enables personalised treatment by integrating tumour genomics, imaging data, and real-world outcomes to help clinicians select the most effective therapies for individual patients. Finally, in drug development, AI can identify promising compounds and targets, shortening traditional development cycles and discovering new uses for existing medicines.

Challenges That Cannot Be Ignored

However, the report also highlights significant risks associated with AI in cancer care. Key concerns include regulatory gaps as AI tools advance faster than current rules, making it challenging to ensure they remain safe, accurate, and accountable. Many promising AI systems require further validation in real-world clinical settings, as untested tools could lead to misdiagnoses or unsafe decisions. Bias and inequity are also risks, since AI trained on unrepresentative data may produce less accurate recommendations for specific patient groups. Implementation barriers, such as limited infrastructure, funding, and trained staff, can hinder the integration of AI into everyday healthcare. Finally, trust issues may arise, as both patients and clinicians need to understand and have confidence in AI systems for them to be effectively adopted.

Policy Recommendations: A Roadmap for Safe and Effective Use

To tackle these challenges, the report puts forward four key recommendations. First, it calls for national standards and validation frameworks, including speciality-specific rules and post-market monitoring of AI tools. Second, it emphasises the importance of training and literacy, proposing pan-European AI education to ensure that at least 50% of oncology professionals are confident in using AI by 2030. Third, the report urges robust regulatory guidance and oversight, including EU-wide support for data protection under GDPR, implementation of the AI Act, and strong patient engagement to ensure clinical accountability. Finally, it highlights the need for investment in data infrastructure, leveraging the European Health Data Space to harmonise systems, modernise cancer registries, and build representative datasets that support safe and effective AI deployment.

Why This Matters for Kapa3

Building on these advancements, K3 is preparing to launch its digital assistant, “Myrto”, in 2026. Designed to harness the power of AI, “Myrto” will support patients and healthcare professionals across the cancer care pathway. By integrating cutting-edge AI capabilities with user-friendly guidance, “Myrto” exemplifies K3’s commitment to improving outcomes, streamlining workflows, and empowering both patients and clinicians in Europe’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

To see the full article, please click here.

https://www.europeancancer.org/resources/publications/harnessing-ai-for-cancer-care-in-europe.html

October 25 – World Breast Cancer Awareness Day

October 25 has been established as World Breast Cancer Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and supporting people living with this disease. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, affecting approximately 2.3 million women each year, with 670,000 deaths, while in Greece around 6,000 new cases are diagnosed annually (Source: Globocan 2025). These are not just numbers—they are mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends who deserve hope and dignity.

Survival chances depend on access to early detection and effective treatment: in high-income countries, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%, while in countries such as India it is 66% and in South Africa only 40%. These inequalities highlight the urgent need for coordinated international action, as incidence and mortality are projected to rise by 40% by 2050 if current trends continue.

Breat scancer does not affect only women—around 1% of diagnoses occur in men, a fact often overlooked. Awareness and education must be inclusive so that no one is left unprotected.

The WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative, established in 2021, works with countries to reduce breast cancer mortality by strengthening health systems and facilitating access to diagnosis and treatment.

At the same time, psychosocial support for patients and their families is crucial, as a diagnosis affects all aspects of life, from work to daily routines and mental well-being.

International Breast Cancer Awareness Day also calls on communities, health organizations, and authorities to collaborate to improve access to screening and treatment services. Raising awareness about risk factors—such as genetics, age, and lifestyle—and promoting healthy habits helps prevent the disease and reduce health inequalities.

Every individual can contribute: schedule a mammogram, remind friends to do the same, support nonprofit organizations, or participate in awareness activities. Even small gestures, like wearing a pink ribbon or sharing reliable information on social media, make a difference.

At Kapa3, we believe that every woman and person living with cancer deserves support, knowledge, and access to high-quality treatments. Through initiatives in awareness, social support, and empowerment, our goal is to build a society where no life is endangered by lack of information, resources, or care, and wher

e hope and solidarity become powerful allies in the fight against the disease.

Read more on breast cancer:

https://www.kapa3.gr/en/raising-the-standards-europe-s-qa-scheme-for-breast-cancer-services/

Understanding Breast Cancer Risk Factors: What You Can and Can’t Change

October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Sources: https://gco.iarc.fr/en

https://www.who.int/initiatives/global-breast-cancer-initiative

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

October 17 – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

October 17 has been established by the United Nations as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a day dedicated to raising awareness and taking action against a phenomenon that continues to affect millions of people worldwide. The observance began in 1987, when thousands of citizens gathered in Paris to honor the victims of extreme poverty and advocate for a more just and equitable future for all.

Poverty is not only about lack of income—it affects access to education, healthcare, housing, employment, and mental well-being. For people living with serious or chronic illnesses, such as cancer, financial insecurity further complicates daily life, limiting access to treatments, medications, and supportive services.

According to the latest Hellenic Statistical Authority data (Income and Living Conditions Survey 2024), 26.9% of Greece’s population—approximately 2.74 million people—is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, an increase compared to the previous year. Greece ranks second in the EU after Bulgaria, highlighting the difficulty households face in coping with inflation, the energy crisis, and limited social protection.

Globally, according to the United Nations World Social Report 2025, over 690 million people live in extreme poverty (less than $2.15 per day), while 1.1 billion experience multidimensional poverty, lacking access to healthcare, education, and a decent standard of living. Social and economic crises, combined with climate change, disproportionately impact vulnerable households, increasing inequalities and reducing opportunities for stable recovery.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty also emphasizes the role of communities and decision-makers in creating inclusive systems. Addressing social determinants of health, ensuring access to essential services, and empowering vulnerable groups are critical to reducing inequalities and improving quality of life. By working together—health professionals, social organizations, and civil society—we can create a world where those facing illness are not further burdened by poverty.

At Kapa3, we firmly believe that access to quality healthcare and decent living conditions are fundamental human rights. Poverty and health are interconnected—the one can easily amplify or worsen the other. Through awareness, empowerment, and social support initiatives, we strive to contribute to a society where no one is deprived of the care they deserve, regardless of income. 

Read more: https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-for-eradicating-poverty

https://www.statistics.gr/documents/20181/3d7d2251-2302-9023-5280-a1d962c3a7a5

World Health Summit Side Meeting: Building Healthier Digital Futures with Information Integrity

One Week to Go: World Health Summit 2025!

From October 12–14, global leaders, researchers, and innovators will gather in Berlin for the World Health Summit 2025, tackling some of the most pressing global health challenges. This year, the focus is on Health Information Integrity, emphasizing the importance of reliable, accurate, and accessible health information in an era dominated by search engines, social media, and AI tools.

Highlights of the Summit include:

  • October 13 – The Future of Quality Health Information: A workshop presenting the Nature Medicine Commission’s work on ensuring quality health information for all, and exploring ways to measure its impact and economic value. Learn more

  • October 14 – Building Healthier Digital Futures with Information Integrity: A side event on how transparent governance and resilient information systems can protect communities from misinformation and disinformation amplified by algorithms and viral content. Learn more

The Summit brings together experts and decision-makers worldwide to explore solutions for improving health information quality and promoting evidence-based decision-making.