President Nikos Christodoulides on Friday called for greater international cooperation in the fight against childhood cancer, stressing the need for equal access to treatment for all children, regardless of where they live or their financial situation.
(Image: President Nikos Christodoulides highlighted the stark differences in cancer treatment worldwide)

In his speech at the International Expert Conference on Cancer in Children and Adolescents at the Presidential Palace, Christodoulides highlighted the striking differences in cancer treatment worldwide.

“Childhood cancer knows no borders, but access to treatment does,” he said.

“This inequality is unacceptable and we have a duty to act decisively, together and through innovation and global cooperation.”

The President reiterated Cyprus' commitment to the global fight against childhood cancer and its collaboration with major organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Society of Pediatric Oncology and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the United States. The aim of this collaboration is to eliminate inequalities in care and improve survival rates among children worldwide .

“Through our partnerships, we are working to close the gaps in access to treatment and increase cure rates for children with cancer,” Christodoulides explained.

He also drew parallels with the Covid-19 pandemic and stressed that international cooperation had been crucial in overcoming the challenges.

"The lesson from the pandemic is clear: cooperation saves lives. We must show the same determination when it comes to childhood cancer."

Cyprus has made steady progress in the fight against childhood cancer. Over the last five years, the country has recorded an average of 23 new cases per year in children up to 14 years of age. The most common is leukemia (42 percent), followed by brain and central nerve tumors (12 percent) and bone cancer (9 percent). An average of 16 new cases are reported per year in teenagers between 15 and 19 years of age. The most common are thyroid cancer (32 percent) and Hodgkin lymphoma (14 percent).

Cyprus is home to the Paediatric Oncology Clinic at Makarios Hospital, which President Christodoulides praised as a centre of excellence . The clinic offers specialised care and is equipped with modern facilities for young patients and their families.

To further strengthen its commitment, Cyprus will soon build an innovative pediatric oncology hospital, fully funded by the Kleanthous Foundation.

“This initiative will give new momentum to the treatment of childhood cancer,” the President noted, thanking Kostas Kleanthous for his philanthropic commitment.

Beyond local efforts , Cyprus also funds the transfer of patients to specialised centres abroad when necessary . Given the financial burden on families, the government recently approved financial support for carers who accompany children abroad for treatment.

“Healthcare and education are the two pillars by which a country is judged,” noted Christodoulides.

“We are committed to ensuring that all our citizens, even in the most remote villages, have equal access to these fundamental rights.”

The President paid special tribute to Dr Loizos Loizou, a leading paediatric oncologist and President of the Elpida Foundation, which provides vital support to children with cancer. Christodoulides described him as one of Cyprus' "greatest ambassadors in paediatrics" and praised his lifelong commitment to saving young lives.

“The best cure is love and humanity, and Dr. Loizou embodies both,” he said.

At the end of his speech, Christodoulides called on leading politicians, doctors and philanthropists around the world not to lose sight of the fight against childhood cancer.

"Every step forward brings us closer to better treatments and higher survival rates. Let us remain united in this mission."

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Source: CyprusMail.com

Author: Charalambos Stylianou