The humanitarian situation of refugees in Greece is still unsettled. They are still dependent on emergency shelters, relief supplies and medical care. That is why ADRA Germany opened an office in Katerini to support the fugitives in the long term and to alleviate their distress.
REFUGEES CAMPS IN PETRA OLYMPOU AND KTIMA IRAKLIS
In 2016, ADRA concentrated on two refugee camps, Petra Olympou and Ktima Iraklis, with a total of 1,500 refugees. The conditions and hygiene in the camps were very poor, which resulted in the spread of contagious skin diseases. A medical team treated the affected people and their tents were disinfected. Hygiene articles were distributed and the camp inhabitants were informed about hygienic practices.
ADRA set up five translators, who helped the medical team and provided psychosocial care in cooperation with the NGO IsraAID. In addition, ADRA has been providing an outlet for fresh and healthy food to prevent malnutrition.
After the onset of winter temperatures, Camp Petra Olympou was cleared out in cooperation with ADRA and UNHCR. Because the tents at Olymp were not winterproof, the fugitives were lodged in vacant hotels and apartments in Northern Greece.
ADRA CREATES NEW REFUGEE CAMP IN KTIMA IRAKLIS
In December, Christian Molke, Managing Director of ADRA Germany, signed a contract with the Greek government to build another Camp in Ktima Iraklis. Iraklis is centrally located with easy access to shopping, hospital and schools. At the camp there will be 85 heated residential containers, the size being approximately 25 square metres with its own electricity connection, kitchen and sanitary facilities. In addition, service containers are set up which, among other things, will be used as social rooms, laundry rooms as well as education and for medical examinations.
This is designed to ensure the people privacy and protection and provide them with facilities to become self-sufficient. The refugee camp is expected to be ready for occupancy by the end of February 2017 and will accommodate up to 550 people.