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- Ελληνικά
Thursday, 4 April 2024
Ladies and gentlemen,
On the agenda I would like to mention the death of former MP Doris Christodoulides, who passed away on 2 April at the age of 78.
Doros Christodoulides was born in Larnaca in 1946. He studied medicine, specialising in cardiology. The deceased was distinguished from an early age for his participation in public life, from his position in the Larnaca EDON to his activities in the resistance in his city. He fought courageously in 1974 at Pentadaptation and was always distinguished for his dynamism and integrity of character.
He was a Member of Parliament for the Larnaca constituency with AKEL-Left-New Forces from 1991 to 2006. During his parliamentary term he was a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, the Parliamentary Committee on Defence, the Parliamentary Committee on Health and a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Institutions, Values and the Commissioner for Administration.
He was for many years head of the Parliamentary Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and served as vice-chairman of the Committee on Migration, Refugees and Demography, third vice-chairman of the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Family Affairs, and vice-chairman of the political group of the European United Left in the same organisation.
In 2003 he was appointed by the House of Representatives as an observer to the European Parliament. From 1 May 2004, the date of Cyprus' accession to the European Union, until 19 July 2004, the date on which the new MEPs elected in the first European elections in which Cyprus participated, took office. As a Member of the European Parliament, he joined the Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left.
On behalf of Parliament, we express our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
I now call on you to observe a minute's silence in memory of former MEP Doris Christodoulides.
Ladies and gentlemen,
On 7 April 1948, the World Health Organization was founded and to commemorate this important event, 7 April has been established as World Health Day. This day serves not only as a reminder of the health challenges that persist worldwide, but also as a clarion call to action for each of us, regardless of our social status.
The theme of this year's World Health Day is "My Health, My Right". Around the world, the right to health of millions of people is increasingly under threat. Diseases and natural disasters are increasing as causes of death and disability. Conflicts are destroying lives, causing death, pain, hunger, mental strain and psychological distress. Burning fossil fuels causes the climate crisis and at the same time takes away our right to breathe clean air. According to the World Health Organisation, one hundred and forty countries recognise health as a human right in their constitutions. However, many countries do not pass and enforce laws to ensure that their citizens have the right to access health services.
This year's theme has been chosen to defend the right of all people to have access to quality health services, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination. World Health Day underlines the fundamental belief that health is a human right and not a privilege reserved for a few. In our hands lies the power to shape a healthier future for all, a future where every person has the opportunity to live a decent life.
(Text as sent from the House of Representatives)
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