4.7.2.5. Health and promoting a healthy lifestyle
In the first half of 2021, EU+ countries started to roll out their strategies on COVID-19 vaccinations.See: European Union Agency for Asylum. (2021, March 31). COVID-19 vaccination for applicants and beneficiaries of international protection. Situational Update, Issue No 1. https://euaa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/publications/EASO_Situationa…; European Union Agency for Asylum. (2021, May 12). Follow-up: COVID-19 vaccination for applicants and beneficiaries of international protection. Situational Update, Issue No 2. https://euaa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/publications/EASO-situationa… Asylum applicants in most countries followed the general priorities defined for the whole population, but there were some exceptions. Croatia, Ireland, the Netherlands, Romania and Switzerland introduced specific policies for the vaccination of asylum applicants, specifying that vaccines are free of charge, on a voluntary basis and by registration to receive an appointment.
AMIF-funded projects aimed to facilitate access to health care in reception centres in Bulgaria, Finland and Romania. In Bulgaria, in the framework of the project "Improving the health status of refugee and migrant children in southern and south-eastern Europe", implemented with support from Caritas and in partnership with UNICEF Bulgaria, a new mobile ambulance unit opened in the reception and registration centre in Sofia. A nurse provides health counselling and basic medical care, and an ambulance is available to transport patients to health facilities.State Agency for Refugees at the Council of Ministers | Държавната агенция за бежанците при Министерския съвет. (2021, October 29). Мобилен кабинет - линейка за допълнителна здравна помощ в РПЦ-София [Mobile unit - ambulance for additional health care in ROC-Sofia]. https://aref.government.bg/bg/node/470
In recent years, the Finnish Immigration Service has been focusing on further developing mental health services in the reception system.European Union Agency for Asylum. (2021). EASO Asylum Report 2021: Annual Report on the Situation of Asylum in the European Union. https://euaa.europa.eu/easo-asylum-report-2021; European Union Agency for Asylum. (2020). EASO Asylum Report 2020: Annual Report on the Situation of Asylum in the European Union. https://euaa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/EASO-Asylum-Report-2020.pdf; European Union Agency for Asylum. (2019). Annual Report on the Situation of Asylum in the European Union 2018. https://euaa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/easo-annual-report-2018-web… For example, the Psyyke project was implemented with AMIF funding between 1 March 2019 and 30 June 2021, offering training and guidance to reception staff on mental health support in reception facilities.Finnish Immigration Service | Maahanmuuttovirasto. (2021, July 26). Mielenterveystyön rakenteet näkyväksi ja lisää osaamista vastaanottokeskuksiin [More transparent mental health work and better mental health expertise at reception centres]. https://migri.fi/en/-/more-transparent-mental-health-work-and-better-me… In Romania, a project was implemented by NGOs to improve access to the health system for all applicants.Fundatia ICAR. (May 2021). Asigurarea Sănătății pentru Solicitanții de Azil din România (ASIG – RO) [Health Insurance for Asylum Seekers in Romania (ASIG - RO)]. http://www.icarfoundation.ro/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/FAMI-20.02.04_P…
In Malta, medical doctors contracted by AWAS started operating in the first quarter of 2021. The medical service is available in the initial reception centre and the main open centres. In addition, in the first quarter of 2021, welfare officers were recruited to follow the health care of vulnerable clients in tandem with social workers.
The French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) signed a convention with the city of Marseille, a first agreement of this kind, for the municipality to provide to the medical services of OFII vaccines against measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis B for migrants in general, including asylum applicants.French Office for the Immigration and the Integration | Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration. (2021, August 3). La vaccination gratuite pour les migrants à Marseille [Free vaccination for migrants in Marseille]. https://www.ofii.fr/la-vaccination-gratuite-pour-les-migrants-a-marseil… The aim of this convention is to facilitate the access of migrants to vaccinations, since they are now able to get vaccinated free of charge at the OFII, a known interlocutor for them.
The AIDA report for Poland noted a few instances when applicants had difficulties in accessing necessary health care and were initially refused treatment.European Council on Refugees and Exiles. (2022). Input to the Asylum Report 2022. https://euaa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2022-03/European_Council_on_…
Law No 4825/2021 amended the provisions related to the Greek health care number (PAAYPA) to clarify some of the administrative issues related to the number’s issuance. The number is automatically provided with the applicant’s card, remains valid for the duration of the asylum procedure and is automatically deactivated with a final negative decision for international protection. It exceptionally remains active for unaccompanied minors until a return decision is implemented or until a minor reaches adulthood. HumanRights360 reported on some issues related to the issuance and extension of the health care number, even after the legislative amendments entered into force. The organisation observed that due COVID-19 measures in practice several applicants had challenges to access medical care and vaccinations.HumanRights360. (2022). Input to the Asylum Report 2022. https://euaa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2022-03/humanrights360.pdf
The Greek National Commission for Human Rights observed a wide gap in the provision of health and psychological services during an on-site visit in Samos at the Reception and Identification Centre of Vathy. The challenges centred around a lack of staff, lack of support from interpreters and a shortage of medication.Greek National Commission for Human Rights | Εθνική Επιτροπή για τα Δικαιώματα του Ανθρώπου, & European Network of Human Rights Institutions. (2021, July 14). National Report on the situation of human rights of migrants at the borders: Executive Summary. https://www.nchr.gr/images/English_Site/PROSFYGES/Greek-Executive-Summa… The findings were echoed by the European Committee of Social Rights in the case cited above, underlining that children had insufficient access to health care on the islands.
In an effort to promote a healthy lifestyle and sports, the Finnish Immigration Service, the Football Association of Finland and the Football Players’ Association of Finland were awarded a grant of EUR 50,000 from UEFA to organise football activities in reception centres. This includes a tour in reception centres entitled “Football belongs to everyone” and a training course for reception centre employees.Finnish Immigration Service | Maahanmuuttovirasto. (2021, June 28). Vastaanottokeskusten jalkapalloharrastuksen tukemiseen 50 000 euroa – turvapaikanhakijoiden valmentajina toimivat huippupelaajat [EUR 50,000 for football at reception centres – top players to coach asylum seekers]. https://migri.fi/-/vastaanottokeskusten-jalkapalloharrastuksen-tukemise…
In Spain, the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration signed a memorandum with the Spanish Olympic Committee to promote sports in the reception system.Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations | Ministerio de Inclusion, Seguridad Social y Migraciones. (2022, May 31). El Ministerio de Inclusión y el COE firman un memorándum para fomentar el deporte en el sistema de acogida [The Ministry of Inclusion and the COE sign a memorandum to promote sport in the reception system] [Press release]. https://prensa.inclusion.gob.es/WebPrensaInclusion/noticias/ministro/de… An AMIF-funded project in the Netherlands promoted sports and exercise among residents. Sports equipment was purchased for facilities in different locations, COA staff received training, work instructions were developed and a special magazine was published for staff to share tips and tricks on encouraging residents to do more sports.Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers | Centraal Orgaan opuang Asielzoekers. (2022, February 4). Goede projectresultaten bereikt met Europese subsidie [Good project results achieved with European funding]. https://www.coa.nl/nl/nieuws/goede-projectresultaten-bereikt-met-europe… In 2022, a similar project with external partners will focus on sports and exercise for young adults in reception centres.Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers | Centraal Orgaan opvang asielzoekers. (January 2022). AMIF-projecten: opvang en begeleiding asielzoekers verbeteren [AMIF projects: improving the reception and guidance of asylum seekers]. https://www.coa.nl/nl/amif-projecten-opvang-en-begeleiding-asielzoekers…
