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"Those who bring the sun into the lives of others, equally illuminate their own existence."
The name of Panos Englezos could well be next to the great and absolutely true words of the English writer James Barrie. Panos Englezos, with his timeless, voluntary and selfless contribution to the field of thalassaemia, has shed a lot of light on the lives of many people and illuminated, even if he did not intend to, his own existence, securing international recognition for his invaluable work and contribution, making us proud.
Friends,
Today's initiative to honour our friend Panos, on the occasion of the completion of his term of office as Chairman of the National Thalassaemia Committee, is not for the Ministry of Health and for me personally, the fulfilment of a formal ritual. It is a due recognition for the extraordinary work of a true visionary, whose name, for more than 60 years, has been synonymous with service and altruism.
Panos Englezos' tireless and untiring battle against thalassaemia, for decades, has produced brilliant results worldwide, such as the establishment of the International Thalassaemia Federation, which he has led from 1986 to the present day.
Founder and President of the Pancyprian Anti-Anemia Association for 30 consecutive years, member of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Neurology and Genetics, President of the Board of Directors of the Pan-European Alliance for Blood Safety, Founder and President of the Pancyprian Alliance for Rare Diseases, President of the National Thalassaemia Committee from 2018-2022, member of the first Board of Directors of the European Patients Forum. Where to start and where to end. His work and contribution could fit in the pages of a book entitled "Volunteering and giving".
The name of Panos Englezos is mentioned in every length and breadth of the world and is irrevocably intertwined with volunteering and his contribution to patients with thalassaemia, other haemoglobinopathies and rare anaemias. It is no coincidence that Panos English was honoured by the Governments of Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Maldives, Morocco, India and China for his valuable contribution against thalassaemia.
Also worthy of mention is the King Abdulaziz Award of King Abdulaziz University, which Panos received from the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia, for his contribution to the establishment of the local Anti-Andean League, as well as the Regional Governor's Award, in recognition of his continuous and long-standing contribution to the fight against thalassaemia, from Lions International in 1982. Panos Englezos was also honored by the Panhellenic Hematology Society and the Panhellenic Anti-Anemia Association for his multifaceted contribution to the fight against Thalassaemia and received the title of Rotary Paul Harris Fellow for his outstanding contribution to the community.
Dear all,
Cyprus, thanks to the tireless struggle of people like Panos Englezos, holds the scepter in the global fight for the prevention, control and management of thalassaemia, spreading its example throughout the world.
We honour Panos English today for his pioneering and tireless efforts to empower, educate and keep the world at the forefront of thalassaemia issues.
We honour Panos English and the International Thalassaemia Federation for their daily struggles to ensure the right to quality services for people with thalassaemia and to support with expertise and scientific evidence, through its wide network of academics and researchers in the field, the promotion of recommendations to governments and national health bodies in 62 countries of the world, as defined by the World Health Organization. A fact that is also evident from the dozens of Memoranda of Understanding, which the Federation has concluded with the governments of its member countries.
Above all, however, we honour Panos English for his humanity, his contribution and his inspiring vision that gave hope and helped thousands of our fellow human beings.
Friends,
I am particularly pleased that the completion of Panos Englezos' term as Chairman of the National Thalassaemia Committee coincides with the state's achievement of a major goal in the field of thalassaemia. The transformation of a decades-old dream into action. This is none other than the construction of the new Thalassaemia Centre and the renovation of the existing space at the Archbishop Makarios III Hospital. A landmark project for the thalassaemia sector and public health in general. A project that demonstrates our determination to strengthen actions in the field of thalassaemia and to ensure the quality of life of patients through a holistic approach to their needs. I am sure that this happy development makes him very happy.
I will conclude my short speech with the words of the French scientist and philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, who once said that "The most satisfying thing in life is to be able to give a large part of yourself to others". Which is exactly what Panos Englishman has been doing for his entire life.
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