In Greece, more than 1 in 3 vulnerable people cannot access medical care when they need it.

We have seen time and time again that vulnerable people struggle to access healthcare. Even if they are able to, they face numerous problems throughout their treatment. Although they deserve the same quality of care and compassion as everyone else, they often have worse experiences and fewer opportunities.

People are suffering because of discrimination, stigma and their life circumstances. Often, they can’t speak the language, they don’t understand how to make an appointment at the hospital or which doctor to go to, they don’t have money for their medicines, they have neglected their health issues for years because they were concerned with putting a roof over their heads and finding food for their families. Others are tired, afraid and don’t know where to turn.

We couldn’t just sit back and do nothing about it.

Standing in the gaps means being present in those critical moments between suffering and healing, between isolation and care, between despair and hope. It means showing up day after day where the healthcare system falls short, where language barriers seem insurmountable, where poverty creates impossible choices, and where fear keeps people from seeking the care they need.

We want people to have an equal opportunity to be healthy; treated with the utmost respect, dignity and care.

Who we are

IRIS Humanitarian Response is a health focused non-profit organisation based in Athens, Greece.

What we do

Every day, we see firsthand the impact that access to healthcare has on individuals, families, and communities. We currently provide five services: 

• Aliro [Healthcare Access]

• Jade [Medicines & Health Products Provision]

• Magenta [Breast Cancer Prevention]

• Reach [Public Health Initiatives]

• Swaddle [Prenatal and Postnatal support & education]

As a core principle, we always provide all our services free of charge to ensure accessibility to all in need.

Why we do it

We believe the right to health is a fundamental human right and that access to healthcare shouldn’t be a privilege.

Support our cause

Your donation can make a real difference in someone's life. By giving, you help us provide essential healthcare services to those who would otherwise go without.

Thank you!

Visit irisresponse.org and follow us on Instagram instagram.com/irisresponse to learn more about our mission.