The President of the Pancyprian Association of Parents & Friends of the Pediatric Oncology Unit, Louiza Stefanidou, sent a strong message to the State for urgent action on issues affecting children with cancer and their families. This was in light of World Childhood Cancer Day and the situation at Makarios Hospital.
In her statements to our website, Ms. Stefanidou talked about the ongoing challenges faced by kids in the Pediatric Oncology Clinic and their families. She highlighted that behind every medical struggle is a daily life filled with worry, uncertainty, and practical challenges.
“Every child deserves modern facilities, consistent support, educational opportunities, and a state that truly helps them,” she said. She added that fighting childhood cancer is not just a medical issue but a social one too.
She also pointed out the ongoing projects at the hospital, noting that while they aim to improve facilities, they have caused extra discomfort and insecurity for children who need a calm treatment space. She stressed that care should go beyond just medical needs; it must consider the child and their overall well-being.
At the same time, she highlighted the need for better social support, pointing out the lack of a permanent social worker. This leaves families without proper guidance during such a critical time. Parents often have to deal with fears about their child’s health, financial stress, and complicated processes without enough help.
The education of hospitalized children is still a concern, as the absence of a stable framework takes away their chance for learning and normalcy. The Ministry of Health Cyprus has started working on related protocols, which is a good step. However, as she noted, immediate needs must be addressed.
Referring to this year’s global campaign slogan “Demonstrating Impact: From Challenge to Change”, Ms. Stefanidou emphasized that change should lead to specific actions and measurable results. She reiterated that every child deserves modern facilities, strong psychosocial support, educational continuity, and a state that genuinely supports them. World Childhood Cancer Day is not just an anniversary; it’s a reminder of our shared responsibility.
