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:
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IOM – World Migration Report: https://worldmigrationreport.iom.int
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WHO – Health of refugees and migrants: https://www.who.int/teams/health-and-migration-programme
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Eurostat – Migration and migrant population statistics: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat
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Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) – Migration data: https://www.statistics.gr
Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3
