Category: inequality

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.

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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

KAPA3 at the 18th Panhellenic Congress of Nutrition & Dietetics

The 18th Panhellenic Congress of Nutrition & Dietetics took place at the Athens Concert Hall from 4–6 December 2025, bringing together scientists and professionals to discuss the latest developments in nutrition under the central theme “Bridging Research and Practice.”

The Congress covered topics ranging from alternative proteins to eating disorders, through lectures, workshops, and roundtable discussions.

During the session “Co-Creating Health: Participatory Research with Cancer Patients on Nutrition and Mental Resilience”, held on Friday, 5 December in Hall MC3, participants included Andrea Paola Rojas Gil, Associate Professor of Biology – Biochemistry and Director of the Laboratory of Basic Health Sciences at the University of Peloponnese, a close KAPA3 collaborator in the field of nutrition, with the topic “Nutrition as a Tool to Support Treatment and Wellbeing: Comparison of Co-Design Programs for Oncology Patients in Greece and Colombia”; Evagelia Bista on behalf of KAPA3 with “Nutrition as a Social Determinant of Health: Inequalities, Education, Environment and Policies”; and Ioanna Sideri with “Mental Health and Strategies for Empowerment and Resilience”.

Nutrition as a Social Determinant of Health

Evagelia Bista emphasized that nutrition is not merely a personal choice but one of the most critical social determinants of health, directly affecting the prevention, progression, and quality of life of oncology patients. Nearly half of people worldwide lack access to healthy food, and socio-economic inequalities determine who can follow a nutritious diet. Greece is no exception: the economic crisis, the high cost of healthy foods, and the turn towards cheap, highly processed options have worsened the situation.

Key points highlighted in the presentation included:

  • Income, education level, and food availability determine dietary quality, with low-income households experiencing higher rates of obesity and chronic diseases.

  • A shift from the Mediterranean diet towards Western-style options due to economic and social factors.

  • A double burden for vulnerable populations: undernutrition and obesity coexist, particularly affecting those facing food insecurity.

  • Impacts on oncology patients: adequate nutrition is crucial for treatment tolerance, recovery, and quality of life, yet many patients face financial and treatment-related barriers.

Ms. Bista presented KAPA3’s actions with a focus on nutritional support and the participatory approach applied in online Experiential Sessions, conducted in collaboration with the University of Peloponnese. These sessions continue a series dedicated to holistic care for body and mind, emphasizing both nutrition and mental health for oncology patients and their caregivers.

KAPA3 underlines that nutrition cannot be seen as an individual behavior alone but as the result of social, economic, and environmental factors. Reducing inequalities and ensuring access to healthy food for all is essential for better health outcomes, especially in oncology care.

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

International Day of Persons with Disabilities — 3 December

A day of awareness, commitment, and action

The International Disability Day, also known as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December), established by the United Nations in 1992, serves as an annual reminder of the need for full inclusion, equality, and respect for the rights of persons with disabilities across all aspects of social life. Moreover, today, more than ever, promoting accessibility and inclusion is not optional — it is an obligation.

According to the World Health Organization (2024), approximately 1.3 billion people — 16% of the global population — live with some form of disability. Disability is part of human diversity, and the lived experience of it highlights the systemic inequalities that continue to exist in many countries, including Greece. As a result, the need for stronger inclusion policies becomes increasingly evident.

These global figures highlight why International Disability Day remains a vital call to action worldwide.

Challenges and inequalities in Greece

In Greece, persons with disabilities still face significant barriers in their daily lives: inadequate accessibility in public spaces and services, difficulties in mobility, limited access to employment, and persistent social stigma that deeply affects their quality of life. National data confirm that these inequalities have direct consequences on health, education, and participation in social and economic life.

At the same time, improving accessibility is not only about removing barriers — it is about shaping a society that recognizes the real needs of its people. Therefore, from training professionals and changing attitudes, to ensuring universal access to healthcare and psychosocial support, inclusion requires sustained commitment. Only then can we guarantee that every citizen has equal opportunities, dignity, and participation.

Kapa3’s perspective: A world where every voice is heard

At the Cancer Patient Guidance Centre – Kapa3, we support individuals facing serious health challenges every day. We understand how essential the following are:

  • clear and accessible information
  •  timely support
  •  respect
  •  care without exclusions

Learn more about the rights of Persons with Disabilities in the following publications on our website here.

Find information about issuing a disability card here, and about free or reduced public transportation fares here.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us that every action and every policy must be built on the principle of inclusion.
No one should be left behind.

Building more inclusive societies: From vision to practice

Creating a truly accessible environment requires:

  • Accessible cities and public services
  •  Training for professionals in health, social care, and customer service
  •  Accessible digital technologies
  •  Employment policies that enable active participation
  •  Awareness-raising and dialogue to combat stigma

Inclusion is not an act of “good will” — it is a prerequisite for social progress.

At the same time, the transition to a genuinely inclusive society is not instantaneous. It requires coordinated efforts from the State, civil society, and persons with disabilities themselves. Continuous evaluation, transparency, and meaningful participation are the foundations of lasting change.

Access is a right.
Every person deserves respect and equal opportunities.

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

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Rethinking Solidarity in Health – A European Perspective

Health Systems Under Pressure in Europe

Across Europe, health systems face mounting pressures. Workforce shortages, uneven access, and entrenched inequalities leave many citizens underserved, and public trust in institutions is eroding. The pandemic briefly rekindled a sense of shared responsibility, yet shifting geopolitical tensions and economic priorities have since drawn attention away from collective well-being. This context raises a vital question: what does solidarity in health mean in Europe today? This context was highlighted at the European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG) 2025, where policymakers, civil society representatives, and health experts discussed the challenges and opportunities for solidarity in health across Europe.

Health is not merely a commodity; it is the foundation for social cohesion and long-term resilience. Investing in preventive care, mental health, and social support is not a trade-off with economic competitiveness — it is a prerequisite. In the European Union alone, premature deaths in 2022 accounted for 2.4 million lost work-years, highlighting the societal and economic consequences of insufficient early action. Across member states, access to care remains uneven, chronic diseases are on the rise, and innovations are not uniformly available, leaving vulnerable populations facing overlapping disadvantages.

The Role of Preventive Care and Mental Health

Solidarity in health demands action at every level. Primary and community care serve as the first line of defense, with multidisciplinary teams — including doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers — partnering with civil society organisations to reach underserved groups. Examples from Andalusia, Portugal, and Estonia’s e-consultation payment model show how coordinated, person-centred approaches build trust, improve access, and empower citizens. Prevention, early detection, and health literacy must complement innovation, ensuring no one is left behind. In the EU, the average diagnostic delay for asthma is 4.5 years, underlining the need for timely, equitable care.

Digital Health Innovation and Equity

Digital transformation presents both promise and challenge. AI, big data, and digital health tools can enhance early detection and patient monitoring. They also improve system efficiency. However, they risk amplifying bias and mistrust if governance is weak.. Europe’s task is to combine innovation with ethical oversight, embedding transparency, accountability, and accessibility into every design decision. Initiatives like the European Health Data Space (EHDS) aim to unify interoperability, research, and patient empowerment under one framework, giving citizens control over their health data while supporting innovation and equity.

Health systems also intersect with broader social and environmental challenges. Climate change, rising social inequalities, and ageing populations disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, while end-of-life care and rare diseases expose gaps in equity, research, and policy. Across Europe, collaborative solutions — from shared patient pathways to cross-border networks — are essential. Health contributes approximately 10% of EU GDP and 9% of employment, demonstrating its central role in both social and economic stability. Public funding, strategic investment in long-term care, and multi-sector collaboration strengthen resilience and uphold solidarity. Notably, €170 million has been allocated to the EU’s Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda on Health and Climate Change, ensuring vulnerable populations are included in solutions.

Examples of Person-Centred Care in the EU

Ultimately, solidarity in health is not merely about funding or policies; it is a commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and collective responsibility. From innovative care models like Karolinska University Hospital’s “hospital at home” programme to Estonia’s digital solutions, Europe has examples of what works when equity and person-centred design guide decisions. Rebuilding trust and strengthening solidarity requires transparency, engagement with civil society, and measures that demonstrate care in action.

Europe’s social contract in health can be renewed, balancing competitiveness with care. When investments, innovation, and policies are guided by solidarity, the continent can ensure that health becomes the common ground on which trust is restored — measured not in slogans or speeches, but in the well-being of every citizen.

Read the EHFG report here

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3