Refugee crisis in Greece: The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens paves the way to meet the challenge

By its statute, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUoA)—the oldest and more prestigious Institution of Higher Education in Greece-supports education at the highest level and promotes social cohesion (1). During this refugee crisis of enormous magnitude (2), NKUoA actively supports these vulnerable populations with a variety of immediate actions including healthcare services and integration actions (Figure 1). Moreover, it supports collaborations among Institutional volunteer programs, local authorities, private non-profit foundations, NGOs, social partners and General State Administration (Ministry of Health). To ensure the transparency of the actions and inform public opinion about refugee crisis, a bulletin including updates on policies about refugees, with special interest in Greece, is released weekly under the auspice of NKUoA. NKUoA has also established an Action Watch-Solidarity Network for the refugees with the participation of more than 100 doctors and scientific bodies in order to offer immediate and coordinated volunteer actions, including administrative support, healthcare services and supplies.