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Deputy Minister of Welfare: Goal is Dignified Living in Shelters and Institutions

28 August 2023

The goal of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare is to support all shelters and institutions in providing services that promote dignified living through collaborations, said Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Marilena Evaggelou, during her visit to the ‘Archangel Michael’ Shelter in Kaimakli on Friday. In statements during the visit, the Deputy Minister mentioned that this visit is part of broader visits she conducts along with her collaborators to institutions, shelters for the elderly, and shelters for people with disabilities. The purpose is to witness firsthand the conditions under which these individuals live and the services provided to them. Subsequently,

USA: Quadriplegic regains movement in hands thanks to Artificial Intelligence

25 August 2023

A quadriplegic in the USA managed to regain some of the movements and sensations in his upper limbs through a new restoration method based on artificial intelligence. Keith Thomas, who was confined to a wheelchair after an accident, has regained sensation and movement in his hand and arm after several years, thanks to Artificial Intelligence. The man had broken his neck in an accident in the pool three years ago, which left him paralyzed from the neck down. The surgery lasted for 15 hours and took place last March. Doctors implanted five microchips in his brain, and with the assistance

The deal is sealed: From September, the ‘Health’ Polyclinic joins the GHS.

23 August 2023

Starting from September, the ‘Ygeia’ Polyclinic will join the GHS (General Health System) – How private Diagnostic and Therapeutic Centers (DTCs) will assist in the decongestion of public hospitals – Andreas Papakonstantinou elaborates on the plan being initiated by the GHS in the Off The Record Podcast. The agreement for the integration of the ‘Ygeia’ Polyclinic into the GHS (General Health System) has been definitively sealed, and starting from September, beneficiaries of the System will have access to inpatient health care services and the First Aid Department of the private hospital. Specifically, Andreas Papakonstantinou, the Director of the Health Insurance

The WHO expands access to life-saving drugs for patients with thalassemia.

21 August 2023

The World Health Organization has undertaken a review of the Essential Medicines Lists (EML) that all countries must provide to their adult and pediatric citizens, now including the three iron chelation drugs used for the treatment of patients with thalassemia. This decision marks a significant milestone in the global effort to improve access to critical pharmacological alternatives for the effective management of this condition. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that requires lifelong management, including regular iron chelation therapy to prevent iron overload, a potentially life-threatening complication. Until recently, the WHO recommended only the active ingredient deferasirox for the treatment

Significant Achievement: They found a way to reprogram the bone marrow cells.

21 August 2023

How did mRNA technology contribute to evolution. Which diseases could be addressed using this technique. Scientists from the USA announced that they have developed a method to directly reprogram bone marrow cells within the body. If this technique proves equally successful in clinical practice, it could potentially replace hematopoietic stem cell transplants in the future. These are performed on patients with hematological disorders (e.g., leukemia) after undergoing intensive chemotherapy. Furthermore, it may also lead to the treatment of previously incurable diseases, such as hemoglobinopathies (e.g., sickle cell anemia). The method is based on the direct delivery of mRNA into a

Strict Recommendations from the Directorate of Administration for Access of People with Disabilities to Clinics and Hospitals

11 August 2023

The Ministry of Health should conduct regular and, in every case where a relevant complaint/report is submitted, on-site inspections,” emphasizes the Commissioner. In recommendations addressed to the Ministry of Health and the EOPYY (National Organization for Healthcare Provision), the Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights Protection, Maria Stylianou-Lottides, addressed the accessibility of individuals with disabilities to healthcare services and providers offered through the General Health System (GESY). Specifically, the Ministry is urged, until the preparation of the relevant Regulations, to prepare, in consultation and collaboration with representative organizations of persons with disabilities, a list of criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications that

The vision of a boy was restored through gene therapy drops

8 August 2023

Dr. Alfonso Sabater retrieved two photographs of Antonio Vento Carvajal’s eyes. One showed cloudy scars covering both eye bulbs. The other, taken after months of gene therapy administered through eye drops, revealed no scars in either of the two eyes. Antonio, who was legally blind for a significant part of his 14 years, can see again. The teenager was born with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic condition that causes blisters all over the body, including the eyes. However, his skin improved when he enrolled in a clinical trial for the world’s first localized gene therapy. This gave Dr. Sabater

Bronze for Pelendritou in the 50m freestyle at the World Championships.

7 August 2023

Carolina Pelendritou secured the third place in the 50m freestyle at the World Para Swimming Championship (in the S11 category) held in Manchester on Monday. It is her 12th medal and the first bronze she has won in a World Championship, 21 years after her first participation. Pelendritou, who had the misfortune of hitting the lane divider, finished with a time of 30.28 and came behind China’s Ma Jia (29.74) and Dutch swimmer Bruinsma Liesette (30.07). For the 36-year-old swimmer, this is her 12th medal in a World Championship since her debut in 2002. It is her first bronze, as

Artificial Intelligence and Accessibility: Building an Inclusive World

5 August 2023

Artificial Intelligence and Accessibility: Building an Inclusive World Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken significant strides in recent years, with its applications extending across various sectors such as healthcare, economics, and education. One area where artificial intelligence has the potential to have a significant impact is accessibility, particularly for individuals with disabilities. By harnessing artificial intelligence technologies, we can build a world without barriers where everyone has equal access to information, services, and opportunities. One of the most promising applications of artificial intelligence in accessibility lies in the realm of assistive technologies. These tools, designed to aid individuals with disabilities in

Visits of the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare to various Foundations in Limassol

4 August 2023

The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Ms. Marilena Evaggelou, visited the institutions of Agios Stefanos and Theotokos, which serve individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, as well as the Children’s Shelter in Limassol. As part of the visits, the Deputy Minister had the opportunity to tour the facilities of the Institutions and the Children’s Shelter, engage in discussions with the beneficiaries and staff, become informed about the implemented programs, and hold discussions with the administrative boards and employees regarding the challenges they face. “The quality of life, skill development, and integration of Persons with Disabilities constitute the highest goal for

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