16th Mission: Sifnos - Schinoussa - Astypalea - Amorgos - Kimolos

The 16th mission of Axion Hellas concluded successfully in Sifnos, Schinoussa, Astypalea, Amorgos, and Kimolos from April 12 to 21, 2024. The team of volunteers traveled 400 nautical miles by boat to provide valuable, high-quality medical services, educational, and cultural programs to the residents of these remote islands in the Cyclades and Dodecanese.

The medical team of Axion Hellas, composed of doctors and nurses from 18 different specialties, examined 1,342 residents across the five islands, performing a total of 3,965 examinations. Residents of all ages had the opportunity to receive medical care from distinguished doctors at clinics set up with the following specialties:

Pediatric
Pediatric Endocrinology - Nutritionist - Weight Control Clinic
Pediatric Cardiology
Gynecological: Pap smears, ultrasound
Pulmonology - Spirometry
Internal Medicine
Cardiology / Heart Echo / ECG
Endocrinology - Thyroid Ultrasound
General Surgery
Breast Surgery - Breast Ultrasound
Ultrasound of Solid Organs - Vessels
Ophthalmology
Pediatric Gastroenterology
Dermatology
Orthopedics
Urology
ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat)
Audiology (Hearing tests)
Dentistry

Additionally, for residents who could not visit the clinics due to health issues, a team of specialized doctors conducted home visits and examinations.

For the first time, a mobile Ophthalmology Unit equipped with the latest technology was operated, generously provided to Axion Hellas by Professor and former Rector of the University of Crete, Giannis Pallikaris, founder of the University of the Mountains (a non-profit organization affiliated with the UN with extensive educational, cultural, and medical activities). With the assistance of System Vision and Mr. Theodoros Alexopoulos, we further upgraded the unit with a state-of-the-art OCT imaging system and modern autorefractor.

Beyond the free preventive medical examinations, the 16th mission included numerous educational and cultural activities for both children and adults in these island areas.

Supporters of the educational and cultural activities included various organizations and groups, such as the Fire Department, Greek Police with the "Safe Internet Navigation" program, the Marianna V. Vardinogiannis Foundation and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights with the "Speak Truth to Power" program, Safe Water Sports with the "Ocean Lab" program, the Kindergarten of I.M. Karras of Athens College with the "Books in the Remote Line" program, the "Become a Hero" first aid program, the National Olympic Academy and the Hellenic Olympians Association with the "Respect Diversity, Love Sports" program, and HOPEgenesis, which informed residents about combating low birth rates.

Also joining us were the small oceanographic vessel Xplore Blue, which allowed students to explore the sea bed of a nearby bay, National Geographic explorer Theodoros Anagnostopoulos, the Athens Conservatory with an exceptional concert by rising musicians, renowned chef Argiro Barbarigou who, along with local women, prepared traditional dishes, and accomplished basketball players Giannis Bouroussis and Panagiotis Vasilopoulos. The journey was further enriched by beloved comedian Lampros Fisfis and the children's show "The Queen of Everything," which has been presented for three years at the Athens Concert Hall.

The 19 educational and cultural events held in Sifnos, Schinoussa, Astypalea, Amorgos, and Kimolos saw a total participation of 2,524 individuals, including 238 adults and 518 children.

The 16th mission was made possible with the support of all donors and supporters of Axion Hellas, including the Euroclinic Athens Group, Galiotos Ear Care, which provided hearing aids to those in need, GE, Papapostolou and Papoudi companies, Toyota, Latsco Shipping Limited, Alpha Omega Management, and Sifnos Roots & Aria Hotels.

Since 2017, Axion Hellas has carried out 16 missions in numerous remote areas of both island and mainland Greece, providing free medical examinations and cultural activities to residents of remote or hard-to-reach areas.