Category: Healthcare accessibility

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

International Universal Health Coverage Day – December 12

International Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day is observed every year on December 12 to remind us that access to quality, affordable healthcare is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of just and sustainable societies. The United Nations established this day to strengthen global commitment so that all people, everywhere, can access the health services they need without financial hardship. (WHO)

Statistics

Universal health coverage is not just a goal. It is a central element of the United Nations  Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. Despite progress in recent decades, the reality remains challenging. Approximately 4.6 billion people worldwide still lack access to essential health services. At the same time, 2.1 billion face financial hardship in accessing care. Finally 1.6 billion pushed into poverty due to health expenditures.

These statistics demonstrate that universal coverage remains far from fully achieved, with significant inequalities between countries and within societies: poorer populations, rural residents, people with lower education, and other vulnerable groups face much greater barriers to healthcare. (WHO – World Bank Report)

Situation in Greece

In Greece, although universal coverage exists in principle through the National Health System, access to care is not always equitable or complete. Only a small percentage of citizens report high satisfaction with service availability, while around 12.1% of people have unmet healthcare needs, a rate significantly higher than the OECD average. (OECD)

Out-of-pocket healthcare expenses particularly affect lower-income households. Nearly nearly 10% of households facing catastrophic health spending, forcing families to sacrifice essentials such as food or housing. (WHO – Health Care Greece)

These inequalities are not just numbers—they have real consequences for quality of life. For cancer patients, universal coverage means timely diagnosis, access to treatments, continuous monitoring, psychosocial support, and palliative care. Lack of comprehensive, accessible care can worsen disease outcomes and increase psychological and financial burden for patients and their families.

At Kapa3, we strive to ensure that no cancer patient or their loved ones feel alone. Through educational initiatives, experiential programs, psychosocial support, and guidance materials, we advocate for healthcare access that respects human dignity, life, and real needs.

Universal Health Coverage Day is not just a date—it is a call to action for broader access, reduced inequalities, and genuine support for all. Together, we can make meaningful change.

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

ESMO Highlights the Importance of Prioritising the Fight Against Cancer in the EU4Health 2026 Work Programme

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) submitted its response to the public consultation on the 2026 Annual Work Programme of EU4Health, emphasising the urgent need to make cancer a top priority across Europe. With the number of cancer cases projected to rise from over 4.47 million in 2022 to 5.48 million in 2045, ESMO calls for dedicated EU4Health actions to address this growing challenge.

Among the key areas highlighted by ESMO is the importance of improving accessibility to healthcare based on current medical knowledge and international standards, while adequately monitoring the quality of healthcare services to prevent inequalities across the EU. This approach aligns closely with the mission and activities of Kapa3, which aims to ensure equitable access to health support for all, particularly young adults affected by cancer.

Through its initiatives, Kapa3 actively promotes awareness, supports access to quality healthcare, and works to reduce disparities in health services, reflecting the same commitment emphasised by ESMO in its response to EU4Health.

Read more on ESMO’s response, here