Press Releases

It gives me great pleasure to address this interesting conference, organized this year in Cyprus by AGORA Platform with the participation of 20 organizations from 15 countries of Southern Europe. Your presence here today is a great honour for our country and, especially, for the Cyprus League Against Rheumatism.

Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs) can affect people from all age groups and from both genders. It is estimated that up to one-fourth of people of all ages might be affected at some point in their life. RMDs may cause functional limitations and disability, affecting the patient and its family in their daily life and work, while in some cases it might lead to premature death.

Over the past two decades scientific research and innovation in rheumatic diseases led to a better understanding of the diseases. The development of highly effective medications against rheumatic diseases has revolutionized the treatment approach of chronic rheumatic diseases, resulting in less pain and improved quality of life.

In addition, advancing research efforts through patient engagement would significantly contribute to further improve understanding of these disease, as well as to develop ways to prevent them.

Dear friends,

I would like to welcome initiatives like this two-day Conference, which enhances the cooperation amongst the members of the patients’ organizations, thus empowering their voice and advocacy, in order to shape the future of research efforts.

Allow me to congratulate the Cyprus League Against Rheumatism for co-hosting the Conference and for being a firm and valuable partner for the Ministry throughout the years, helping in the implementation of its policies for the benefit of the patients.

Once more, I wish to thank AGORA Platform for organizing this Conference for eight years and for choosing Cyprus to be its destination this year. I hope you have a fruitful meeting and enjoy your stay in Cyprus.

Thank you very much for your attention.

(MKY)