France awards highest honour to Professor Loizou

University of Nicosia Medical School Professor Loizos G. Loizou has been honoured with the “Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite” by President of France, Emmanuel Macron. This esteemed title of the Knight in the National Order of Merit of France, is of the highest honours of the French Republic.

The award was presented to Professor Loizou by the French Ambassador in Cyprus, Madame Salina Grenet-Catalano, during a formal ceremony attended by representatives from the Republic of Cyprus, members of political parties, members of the UNIC academic leadership, and other distinguished guests.

According to the French Ambassador, this high honour acknowledges Professor Loizou’s long-term, effective, and valuable efforts to the fight against cancer in children and teenagers in Cyprus, and across the globe. He is celebrated as the founder of the Paediatric Oncology Clinic in Cyprus and for his philanthropic role as the President of the ‘ELPIDA’ Foundation. The efforts of Professor Loizou to strengthen and develop relations between Cyprus and France in the field of medicine, research, and education were also praised, acknowledging his long history of contributing to enhancing bilateral relations.

Accepting the award, Professor Loizou expressed his profound gratitude to France for this supreme honour and recognition. He pledged to continue dedicating his life towards the prevention, treatment, and comprehensive care of young cancer patients, both within Cyprus and internationally, particularly in resource-deprived countries where more than 80% of children die as a result of cancer.

In addition, Professor Loizou asserted that this significant recognition gives him strength and courage to intensify his efforts in enhancing Franco-Cypriot relations in the field of medicine, Paediatric Oncology and Paediatric Haematology, as well as in academic research, and in international collaborations, to achieve better treatments for children with cancer in countries where Cyprus, in collaboration with France, can provide vital aid.