European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides expressed the support of the European Commision to the non-profit association “Unique Smiles” for children with rare diseases.
Speaking at a press conference in Nicosia on the occasion of ten years since the association was founded, Kyriakides said that “rare diseases in Europe are not so rare and today affect up to 36 million citizens across the EU”.
She referred to a funding for the health sector, saying that it is “unprecedented in the history of the EU” reaching more than 4 billion euros, “so that we can realize what started as a vision, 4 years ago.”
In this context, Kyriakides said, “we have tabled the reform of EU pharmaceutical legislation with the aim of ensuring access to safe and effective medicines for all our citizens”, explaining that “this reform will also give pharmaceutical companies incentives to develop more effective and affordable medicines, including for people with rare diseases.”
In his address at the press conferen
ce, which was read out, Minister of Health, Michalis Damianos, said that the association’s ten years of operation constitute a path of dedication and solidarity towards those who face rare genetic diseases.
Early diagnosis, specialized treatment and continuous support are the main pillars for dealing with rare diseases, he pointed out.
Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Marilena Evangelou, congratulated the association and said that the Deputy Ministry is responsible for issues related to the integration of people with rare diseases who also have disabilities.
All departments of the Deputy Ministry, she continued, will continue to make their utmost so as to contribute to the effort and adopt good practices and policies from the European family.
Source: Cyprus News Agency
