Many of our patients in Serbia, who were attempting to cross the Balkans in search of safety in other European countries, reported that they had been subjected to violence and pushbacks by state authorities at the borders.

Throughout the year, our teams assisted people living outside official accommodation, particularly along the northern borders with Hungary and Romania. In the southern region bordering Bulgaria, we provided assistance to people residing in official settlements. We ran mobile clinics in these areas, offering general healthcare and distributing essential relief items, such as blankets, warm clothing, footwear and hygiene kits, and collaborated with local civil society organisations by providing donations, including medications, to support people in vulnerable circumstances.

As well as caring for victims of physical and psychological violence, including various forms of inhumane and degrading treatment, MSF teams treated people whose health had been affected by freezing winter temperatures and poor living conditions, including lack of food, clean clothes, medical care and hygiene facilities.