Emergency Aid Delivered: Two Tons of Medicines for Children with Cancer in Botswana
Cyprus as a Hub for Medical and Humanitarian Assistance
As part of the Cyprus International Action Plan for Childhood Cancer (Cy-IAPCC), a shipment carrying nearly two tons of medicines departed yesterday from Cyprus to Botswana.
The delivery includes urgently needed supplies – antibiotics, analgesics, antiemetics – requested for the care of children with cancer, as these essential drugs are in limited supply in the country.
The initiative was led by Professor Loizos G. Loizou, founder and coordinator of the Cy-IAPCC, following an assessment of needs in cooperation with pediatric oncologists and Botswana health authorities. The mission was made possible thanks to the immediate response of Ms Daphne Pittas, COO of Medochemie, who generously donated the pharmaceutical aid.
The ELPIDA Foundation warmly thanks Ms Pittas and Dr Andreas Pittas, founder of Medochemie, for their philanthropic act of solidarity. Deep gratitude is also extended to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Constantinos Kombos, for their unwavering, effective support and the rapid activation of CyprusAid.
The medicines are expected to be delivered on 3 July to the only pediatric oncology center in the country, located in Gaborone. This marks the second shipment of medical aid from Cyprus to Botswana in 2025. The first shipment, in May 2025, included anticancer medications, chemotherapy drugs, and innovative targeted therapies.
Professor Loizou emphasized that Cyprus is also promoting technical, scientific and medical cooperation with local pediatric oncologists and health authorities.
Botswana’s President, Mr Duma Boko, and Minister of Health, Dr Stephen Modise, publicly expressed their appreciation to the Republic of Cyprus, the ELPIDA Foundation, and Medochemie for their meaningful support to children with cancer in Botswana.
Professor Loizou stated:
“From the heart of the Mediterranean, Cyprus can play a vital role as a hub of cooperation, education, and humanitarian medical aid. Through the Cy-IAPCC, we promote innovative actions across five strategic pillars: delivery of medicines and equipment, education and prevention, telemedicine, physician training, and humanitarian support. Our collaboration with Botswana also includes telemedicine and palliative care programs, with the aim of bringing hope and healing to every child in need.”
Loizos G. Loizou
The ELPIDA Foundation also expresses its sincere gratitude to all cooperating organizations actively supporting this effort:
- Cyprus Medical Association
- Cyprus Paediatric Society
- Medical Schools of the University of Nicosia and the European University Cyprus
- AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association)
- Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI)
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus
- Pharmaceutical Services and Directorate of Purchasing and Supplies, Ministry of Health.
We unite our efforts with vision, coordination, and solidarity.
For every child, in every corner of the world. For a better tomorrow – in health and humanity.
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