A Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) medical team has reported six cases of malnutrition among children in the Samos closed controlled access centre (CCAC) in Greece, which houses asylum seekers. This is the first time MSF has identified malnutrition in the facility since we began working there in 2021.

Six children aged six months to six years were diagnosed with severe or moderate acute malnutrition— a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent further deterioration. However, paediatric care remains inadequate, not only in the CCAC but across all of Samos island.

Additionally, cash assistance for asylum seekers has been halted since June, 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.

The Greek authorities and European Union institutions must ensure a healthy and safe environment for refugee children, including adequate paediatric healthcare. Cash assistance should also be reinstated so that families can afford nutritious food.