President Nikos Christodoulides called for stronger prevention and continuous improvement in cancer policies during his address at the launch of the Christodoula march in Nicosia on Saturday.
Christodoulides welcomed the large turnout, stressing the importance of collective effort and public awareness in the fight against cancer.
He said the march retained strong symbolic value. “I am very happy to take part in the Christodoula march again this year and I am particularly pleased by the large turnout,” he said.
He added that, 51 years ago, Christodoula could not have imagined that the march would still be bringing people together so many years later.
Christodoulides said the shared goal should be constant progress in tackling the disease. “What we must all set as a goal is to improve every year we come here,” he said.
He placed particular emphasis on prevention. “The most important thing is prevention. And that is where we must all invest clearly more,” he said.
Referring to state action, Christodoulides cited the strengthening of screening programmes and the creation of the National Cancer Institute. He said the institute had become a reality after being promised, adding that its role would be to coordinate centres and strengthen research, in particular.
The President thanked the organisations involved, describing the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society as a partner and fellow traveller of the state. He also referred to the work of Arodafnousa and the contribution of the Bank of Cyprus.
“When we refer to the areas of health and education, there are no accounting exercises, only investment in the future of our country,” he said.
Christodoulides called on the public to take part actively in the march and support all those and their families who are fighting a difficult battle.