Conditions at Idomeni Camp Prompt Worry

Approximately 700 refugees attempted to cross the border into FYROM (Macedonia) from Greece on March 14 following the deterioration of living conditions at the Idomeni refugee camp, Proto Thema reported.

Conditions at the Idomeni refugee camp in northern Greece have become intolerable, forcing migrants to trespass through the closed border. According to Euronews, Greek health officials have said that rainy weather conditions have deteriorated the already appalling camp, making the Idomeni muddy, dirty and humid. At least one Syrian girl has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A due to poor sanitation and a lack of clean water.

The medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) estimates that at least 40 pregnant women live in the Idomeni camp, Ekathimerini reports. Christian Reynders, Deputy Coordinator of the organization, told Ekathimerini that “there are many babies at the camp, and they are vulnerable to respiratory infections.” He added that “refugees... burn everything, wood, plastic bags, old clothes. The smoke is toxic and we are afraid that respiratory infection especially for newborn babies might create permanent problems to their breathing system.”

Approximately 60 children suffer from the effects of humidity and smoke each day. The Daily Mail reported that over 70 children have been hospitalized after suffering from fever and diarrhea. The picture of a mother washing her newborn baby in muddy water recently captivated viewers around the world.  Many have noted that these conditions severely endanger the refugees’ ability to lead healthy and productive lives.

With new refugees constantly arriving on Greek shores, and the borders of the “Balkan Route” securely closed, many critics have called on the governments of the European Union and Turkey to address the health crisis.

Note: An abbreviated version of this article appear in print on March 22, 2016.