In a transformative leap for children’s healthcare, Cyprus is set to break ground on a new Pediatric Oncology Clinic in Nicosia, following the signing of a €10 million agreement at the Presidential Palace. The clinic, backed by the Cleanthous Foundation, promises to elevate the island’s cancer care to international standards, offering hope and advanced treatment for young patients battling cancer and hematological diseases.

President Nikos Christodoulides, who attended the agreement ceremony, hailed the project as an “investment in life, hope, and the future.” The deal was officially sealed by Health Minister Michalis Damianos, State Health Services Organisation (Okypy) President Marinos Kallis, and Maria Charalambidou, the President of the Cleanthous Foundation. The new clinic will be strategically located on state-owned land near Makarios Hospital, with Okypy overseeing its management once completed.

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This initiative is poised to make Cyprus a regional leader in pediatric cancer care. As President Christodoulides noted, with the Cleanthous Foundation’s contribution, the island could become a vital hub for the treatment of childhood cancer, extending its influence far beyond its borders. The foundation’s commitment, he emphasized, is a gift not only to Cyprus but to the entire region.

Maria Charalambidou, in her address, shared the foundation’s vision of not only providing top-tier medical treatment but also fostering a nurturing environment where children can continue to learn and grow. The clinic’s design includes dedicated research spaces, reflecting the foundation’s aim to enhance Cyprus’ role in childhood cancer research.

Okypy’s Marinos Kallis also provided important context, revealing that approximately 42 new cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed each year in Cyprus. Alarmingly, there has been a notable increase in thyroid cancer among adolescents, particularly girls aged 15 to 19. However, the good news is that the cure rate for childhood cancers in Cyprus stands at an impressive 100%.

This €10 million project is more than just a clinic—it symbolizes hope, innovation, and compassion for the youngest patients facing their toughest battles.