Re-imagining healthcare
for the vulnerable and underprivileged
Who we are
IRIS Humanitarian Response is a health focused non-profit organisation based in Athens, Greece.
We are dedicated to advancing access to healthcare and delivering high quality medical care for individuals and communities in need. Our goal is to bridge the gap in health disparities and improve health outcomes for disadvantaged and underserved people. Through our work, we strive to make a lasting impact by promoting health equity and the human right to health.
We adhere to medical ethics and operate with a steadfast commitment to the core humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.
The problem
In 2019, Greece had the highest rate of unmet healthcare needs among all European Union member states, with around 1 in 7 people reported being unable to access medical care when they needed it. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the pre-existing issues and placed an enormous strain on the healthcare system, with hospitals overwhelmed and understaffed. As a result, routine medical care was postponed for many people with chronic illnesses or acute health problems, leading to an increase in preventable complications and even deaths.
According to a 2023 report by OECD, the healthcare system in Greece is still facing significant challenges in adequately meeting the healthcare needs of its population. One of the most concerning issues is the high level of disparity between the highest and lowest income groups. Individuals with lower incomes are much more likely to have unmet healthcare needs than those with higher incomes, indicating that access to healthcare in Greece is heavily influenced by socioeconomic status. Practically, this means there are many people who cannot afford to pay for healthcare and face longer waiting times for appointments, diagnostic tests, and treatments due to the high demand for public healthcare services. The consequence of which can result in minor health conditions escalating into more serious, potentially untreatable ones.
This disparity is not just a statistic - it translates into real life.
It leads to major health inequalities and poorer health outcomes for those who are most vulnerable - such as those who are homeless, victims of abuse or gender-based violence, survivors of human trafficking, refugees, people with disabilities and those living beneath the poverty line.
Urgent action is needed to bridge this healthcare gap and address these unmet needs.
28.3%
Number of people living in Greece who are at risk of poverty or social exclusion*
*'2022 Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC)' report by the Hellenic Statistical Authority
What we do
Aliro
Enabling access and creating equal opportunities to healthcare by eliminating systemic barriers
UN SDG Target 3.8
1 in 7
people in Greece reported being unable to access medical care when they needed it.
Jade
Providing essential medicines to individuals who have limited or no access to the National Healthcare System, or those who cannot afford to cover the cost of their prescriptions
UN SDG Target 3.8
On average, people living in Greece pay about
33%
of the cost of their medicines out of their own pockets.
Magenta
Promoting women's health through increasing breast cancer awareness, providing access to life-saving screening and diagnostic services, and facilitating timely diagnosis for those who may be at risk
UN SDG Target 3.4
1 in 8
women develop breast cancer during their life times
Reach
Addressing the unmet health needs of underserved communities through targeted Community Health and Public Health interventions
UN SDG Targets 3.1 | 3.2 | 3.7 | 3.8
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), research shows that social determinants can be more important than healthcare or lifestyle choices in influencing health.
“Wherever the art of Medicine is loved, there is also a love of Humanity.”
— Hippocrates
Donate
Your donation can make a real difference in someone's life, whether it's providing critical medication, supporting a cancer screening, or helping to fund our ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes in the communities we serve. Press the ‘Quick donation’ button below or for more information, visit our Donate page.