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- Ελληνικά
It gives me great pleasure to address the press conference of the National Advisory Committee on Vaccination, on the occasion of the "International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness Day".
The objective of the International HPV Awareness Day is to raise awareness among Health Professionals and the public about the prevention of the disease and related cancers through vaccination and screening.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the remarkable work done by the Chair and Members of the Committee on vaccination issues. The Committee has contributed to the updating of the National Vaccination Programme under the conditions of the General Health Insurance Scheme, while at regular intervals it adapts the Programme according to modern scientific data, the guidelines of the World Health Organization, the European Union, as well as according to local and international epidemiological data.
At the same time, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Pancyprian Association of Cancer Patients and Friends for the so far extremely efficient cooperation with the Ministry of Health.
At the same time, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Pancyprian Association of Cancer Patients and Friends for the extremely efficient cooperation with the Ministry of Health. The Association pioneered the launch, in 2010, of the programme for the universal eradication of the human papillomavirus - HPV, through which it carries out a number of actions, while offering systematic information to the public.
I would like to emphasize that the Ministry of Health recognizes that vaccination and screening are cost-effective public health interventions and at the same time a long-term investment to ensure the resilience of the Health System and the well-being of the country's citizens.
For these very reasons, HPV vaccination is provided free of charge to children aged 11-13 years. At the same time, vaccination coverage is monitored for early intervention and corrective actions to eliminate HPV. The results of this effort and the impact of vaccination will be seen in a few decades when vaccinated individuals are over thirty years of age.
We also support the inclusion of new, free screening tests for the early detection of cancer (HPV DNA molecular test) in addition to the Pap test, related to HPV, as we recognise the ongoing need to strengthen prevention on the basis of the "European Cancer Plan". The ultimate goal is none other than timely and appropriate treatment in people with pre-cancerous lesions or cancer.
To achieve these goals, we are mapping existing policies and promoting new strategies, while actively supporting awareness campaigns.
In conclusion, I would like to point out that we look forward to the active participation and support of all stakeholders, all of you, for the success of this effort.
We now have in our hands the expertise and the capacity to save lives from HPV-related cancers, especially cervical cancer, one of the most curable cancers. Let's take advantage of it.
Thank you very much.
(OP/NZ)
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