In 2024, stricter government policies, supported by the European Union and Frontex, led to a sharp decrease in the number of people crossing the border to seek asylum and protection. In view of the low occupancy rate in Harmanli, we decided to hand over our activities to the national authority in charge of refugees, the State Agency for Refugees, in October.
At the time of the project’s closure, there were still some structural challenges at the center; for example, a general practitioner was not regularly available and there was limited access to mental health support, despite the needs of many residents who had experienced trauma and violence. However, the overall provision of medical care had improved and a dermatologist conducted regular consultations.
MSF’s activities at Harmanli highlighted the ongoing gaps in Bulgaria’s reception and health care system for refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers. While our program in Bulgaria has ended, we continue to monitor the humanitarian and medical needs in the country, ready to intervene again if needed.
