Loizos G. Loizou, Head of Cyprus International Action Plan for Children with Cancer at ELPIDA Foundation for Children with Cancer, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“My dear friends,
I felt strongly that, as a society, we ought to do much more to inform and educate our children about their health and quality of life.
I deeply believe that all of us, each in our own way, must work to equip our young people with knowledge, confidence and critical thinking so that they can face the relentless dangers that threaten their health and future today.
With this sense of responsibility, in April 2025 I proposed to the Minister of Education, Dr. Athena Michailidou, as well as to my colleagues and associates Dr. Petros Agathangelou (President of PIS) and Dr. Michalis Anastasiadis (President of PEK), the program “Doctors and Professors: Together for Children”.
The immediate positive response and the practical encouragement of all three for its implementation moved me deeply. I thank them warmly.
On the instructions of the Minister and the contribution of the Inspector of Health Education, Ms. Christiana Filippou, in September 2025 I presented the vision and strategy of the program to about 250 teachers of Health Education in Nicosia and Limassol.
The acceptance of the teachers was excellent and gave me strength to continue.
We started our first action at Agia Varvara High School in Nicosia, with the participation of 170 students and impressive results.
Last Thursday, 5/2/2026, in Geroskipou, at the Giannakis Taliotis High School, two lectures were held with the participation of 300 teenagers and many teachers.
Our theme: “Freedom from smoking and vaping“.
Using modern, interactive methods, I found out how mature our children are.
Their level of knowledge and reflection was truly impressive.
We worked together not only to increase knowledge, but also to strengthen their character: The confidence to say “no” and the ability to resist pressure.
Warm thanks for the excellent cooperation to the Professor of Health Education Ms. Melita Giouprou, to the professors Mr. Andreas Damianou and Mr. Marios Agathocleous, as well as to the Director of the Lyceum, Mr. Alekos Themistocleous.
Warm thanks also to the ELPIDA Foundation for Children with Cancer, which actively supports this program and is a strategic partner.
Next week, the program continues at Paralimni High School with another 300 students.
Our goal is to create a strong shield of protection against the “scourges” that threaten our children.
By the end of February, a total of 800 children will have attended this innovative, experiential program.
We continue, because prevention starts at school.
Health is built with knowledge, dialogue and proper standards.
- When knowledge reaches children in time, prevention is done.
- When doctors and educators work together, messages gain power.
- When we listen to young people, we build trust and responsible attitudes to life.”
More posts featuring Loizos G. Loizou.