Inadequate hygiene and sanitation According to the Greek Correctional Code, hygienic infrastructure in each cell (one latrine and one sink) should cover the needs of up to three detainees.31 Detainees should have access to cold and hot water.32 However, in Pagani detention center the ratio of functioning latrines and showers per person fell below national standards as well as World Health Organization (WHO) minimum emergency requirements of one latrine per 20 persons and one shower per 50 persons. When the detention center was overcrowded there was one functioning latrine and one functioning shower for 150 people. Moreover showers and latrines frequently broke down due to overuse. Overflowing toilets and showers often flooded part of the rooms, getting mattresses, which were on the floor, wet. As an Iranian man in his mid-twenties described, “I am sleeping on the floor on a mattress. It is so dirty and the mattress gets wet from the toilets that overflow. We are not allowed to go out. We are over each other and people get into fights.” In all three detention centers drinking water was only accessible from the taps in the latrine area. Migrants often complained about that fact and about the quality of the water. Problems with the provision of hot water were also recorded. No separate facility for the washing of laundry was available. Migrants were provided with clothes detergent and washed their clothing in the shower, sink or in a basin, if available. In all three detention centers, hygienic conditions were substandard. Cleaning service staff, where available, did not enter the cells. Instead detainees were provided with cleaning material. However the distribution of cleaning supplies was often delayed, which resulted in the cells remaining dirty. This was further exacerbated during periods of overcrowding. Inappropriate facilities and unsanitary conditions resulted in the presence of pests. Venna detention center, for example, had been infested with rodents since the end of February 2010, despite efforts by the pest control service called by the prefecture. Overcrowding and poor hygienic conditions can contribute to the spreading of several medical conditions, for example dermatological infections, such as scabies, and viral infections, such as measles. In Pagani detention center at times of overcrowding, infants and children who shared an extremely overcrowded room were frequently ill with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, fever, and dermatological and skin complaints. This was a constant source of concern for their mothers who complained about the sanitary conditions, overcrowding and the lack of medical care for their children. © MSF 10