Report on the 16th Mission: Sifnos - Schinoussa - Astypalea - Amorgos - Kimolos

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

Overall, the Axion Hellas medical team, comprising doctors and nurses from 18 different specialties, examined 1,342 residents across the five islands, performing 3,965 tests. Residents of all ages had the opportunity to be examined by distinguished doctors at clinics set up for the following specialties:

1. Pediatric
2. Pediatric Endocrinology - Dietetics - Weight Control Clinic
3. Pediatric Cardiology
4. Gynecological: Pap test, ultrasound
5. Pulmonary - Spirometry
6. Internal Medicine
7. Cardiology / Heart echocardiogram / ECG
8. Endocrinology - Thyroid ultrasound
9. General Surgery
10. Breast Surgery - Breast ultrasound
11. Ultrasound of Solid Organs - Vessels
12. Ophthalmology
13. Pediatric Gastroenterology
14. Dermatology
15. Orthopedics
16. Urology
17. ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat)
18. Audiology (Hearing tests)
19. Dentistry

In addition, residents who could not visit the clinics due to health issues received home visits and medical examinations from a team of specialized doctors.

For the first time in this mission, a mobile Ophthalmology Unit with complete equipment, 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), was utilized. Additionally, with the assistance of System Vision and Mr. Theodoros Alexopoulos, we further upgraded the unit with state-of-the-art OCT imaging systems and modern lens meters.

Besides the free preventive examinations provided during the 16th mission, numerous educational and cultural activities were conducted for both children and adults in these island areas.

Specifically, partners and supporters of the educational and cultural activities included many organizations and groups, such as the Fire Department, the Hellenic Police with the program “Safe Internet Navigation,” the Marianna V. Vardinoyannis Foundation and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights with the program “Telling the Truth to Power,” Safe Water Sports with the program “Ocean Lab,” the Kindergarten of I.M. Karras of Athens College with the program “Books on the Remote Line,” the first aid program titled “Become a Hero Too,” the National Olympic Academy, and the Association of Greek Olympians with the program “Respect Diversity, Love Sports,” as well as 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 seabed of a nearby bay, National Geographic explorer Theodoros Anagnostopoulos, the Athens Conservatory with an exceptional concert performed by its emerging musicians, the renowned chef Argiro Barbarigou, who, along with the women of each island, prepared traditional dishes, and distinguished basketball players Giannis Bourousis and Panagiotis Vasilopoulos. Finally, the journey was accompanied by the beloved comedian Lampros Fisfis and the children’s performance “The Queen of All,” which has been presented for three years at the Athens Concert Hall.

During the 19 educational and cultural activities held in Sifnos, Schinoussa, Astypalea, Amorgos, and Kimolos, a total of 2,524 participants, including 238 adults and 518 children, were reached.

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

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

You can follow us on the following communication channels of Axion Hellas to stay updated on the work of our volunteers:

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