13th Mission: Heraklia - Halki - Symi - Pserimos – Kimolos

13th Mission of Axion Hellas

With absolute success, the first action of the volunteers of Axion Hellas for 2023 was completed in Halki, Symi, Pserimos, Heraklia, and Kimolos. The team of Axion Hellas covered 600 nautical miles with 13 speedboats under challenging weather conditions to provide valuable, high-quality services to the residents of the remote islands in the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.

In total, the medical team of Axion Hellas, consisting of 54 doctors with 20 specialties, received 620 citizens in the clinics set up on the five islands and conducted 1,708 examinations and medical interventions. The residents, of all ages, had the opportunity to be examined by Cardiologists, Pathologists, Pulmonologists, ENT Specialists, Radiologists, Gynecologists, Orthopedists, Dentists, Urologists, Endocrinologists, Dermatologists, Ophthalmologists, Pediatricians, Pediatric Ophthalmologists, Pediatric Endocrinologists, Neurologists, Psychologists. In addition, they underwent microbiological tests, body ultrasounds, while women were examined at the breast clinic. Furthermore, for those residents who were unable to visit the clinics due to health problems, a team of specialized doctors performed 11 house calls and patient examinations.

For the first time in this mission, a paediatric clinic operated to provide specialized medical care for children of all ages living on these remote islands. Additionally, the dental team participated in the preventive control program of children's oral health from 7 to 12 years old, organized by the South Aegean Region. In total, the doctors examined 101 children on the five islands.

As part of the mission, along with medical and pharmaceutical services, significant cultural and educational activities were carried out for both children and adults in these island communities. Many organizations and groups were involved in these efforts, such as Helmepa, the Fire Department, Blue Cycle, the Playroom with the "Toy it Again" program, the Hellenic Police with the "Safe Internet Navigation" program, the Olympic Truce with the "Respect for Diversity" program, the Mariana V. Vardinoyannis Foundation, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Foundation, and the Dukas Educational Institutions with the "Speaking Truth to Power" program. Safe WaterSports also participated with the "Ocean Lab" program, the ELIZA Association with the "Safe Touch" and "Body" programs, theatrical groups with Lambros Fisfis and Dimitris Makalias, and a children's play titled "The Queen of Everything." The renowned soccer champion Giorgos Karagounis and chef Argiro Barbarigou were also part of the mission.

A total of 2,524 participants attended the 14 educational and cultural activities held on Halki, Symi, Heraklia, and Kimolos. This included 502 children and 425 adults, which represents 58% of the total population of the four islands.

The mission also included initiatives for the sustainability and environment, such as the strategic plan for the revival of the historic village "Horio" in Halki, carried out by Deloitte in collaboration with Axion Hellas and the Municipality of Halki.

The 13th mission of Axion Hellas was completed with the support and contributions of significant partners, including the Euroclinic Group, the Hellenic Heart Foundation EL.I.KAR., Papapostolou N. SA medical equipment, GE Healthcare, Coral (Shell licensee for fuel contribution to the volunteers' transportation), Galiotos Earcare (providing specialized hearing solutions for those in need), and numerous sponsors and supporters of the volunteer group's efforts.

The goal of Axion Hellas is to provide services to society, especially to vulnerable groups living in remote and inaccessible areas of the Greek islands and the Greek mainland. From 2017 to the present, over 70 doctors with 23 specialties conducted 26,078 examinations and 11,000 medical procedures on fellow citizens. Twenty-six infrastructure projects were implemented, and approximately 20,000 children and adults participated in the numerous educational and cultural activities organized by the team.