MSF reports six cases of child malnutrition at asylum centre on Greek island of Samos

07 April 2025 - Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has diagnosed and reported six cases of malnutrition among children at the Samos Closed Controlled Access Centre (CCAC) for asylum seekers in Greece. Children aged six months to six years were diagnosed with severe or moderate acute malnutrition - serious medical conditions requiring urgent care. This is the first time MSF has identified malnutrition in the facility since the organisation began working there in 2021.

Christina Psarra, General Director, MSF Greece says "Children make up approximately one-quarter of the centre’s population, yet paediatric care is inadequate not only in the CCAC but across Samos Island. Additionally, cash assistance for asylum seekers has been halted since June - nine months ago - leaving families without the means to buy essential nutritious food for their children."

Refugee families already endure extreme hardships traveling through multiple countries while facing food insecurity and a lack of medical care. Children are especially vulnerable to the cumulative effects of prolonged malnutrition.

MSF calls on Greek authorities and EU institutions to ensure a healthy and safe environment for refugee children, including adequate paediatric healthcare and reinstate cash assistance so families so they can afford nutritious food.

Malnutrition is treatable. MSF remains committed to ensuring that no child goes without the care they need.

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