Public Health and Social Welfare Week to be celebrated with events in East Macedonia and Thrace
East Macedonia and Thrace will celebrate Public Health and Social Welfare Week from November 11 to 17, 2024, with a series of events aimed at raising awareness about public health issues, preventive care, and support for vulnerable populations.
Organized by the Regional Public Health Directorate, the week-long events will focus on enhancing awareness around physical and mental health, addressing challenges faced by the elderly and individuals with disabilities, and emphasizing the importance of preventive measures. Activities will be open to the public across all districts in the region.
Regional Governor Hristodoulos Topsidis highlighted the significance of the week, stating, “Increasing societal awareness of public health is crucial for health protection and disease prevention. Public Health Week aims to promote the intertwined importance of physical and mental well-being through comprehensive information sessions and events, from Samothrace to Nevrokopi." Topsidis also expressed gratitude to the civil society organizations, volunteers, and scientific institutions contributing to the program.
Deputy Governor for Health and Family Policy, Giorgos Dalakouras, emphasized the region's dedication to enhancing public awareness on topics such as nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention, mental health, and the importance of vaccination. “This week allows all residents to gain valuable health information from experts, improving their quality of life,” he said.
Event Schedule for East Macedonia and Thrace Public Health Directorate
Rodopi Regional Events
November 11, 2024 - Monday
Komotini
10:00 - 14:00, Old Law School Courtyard: Free and anonymous HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis testing for students.
17:00 - 20:00, Komotini Central Square: Free and anonymous HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis testing for the public.
11:00, Old Law School Main Auditorium: Seminar on “Bone Marrow Donation” organized in collaboration with the “Dynamic Souls” and Synapse Associations.
Hemetli Village
10:00 - 13:00, Hemetli Minority Primary School: Workshop on “School Bullying,” organized with Orfeas Center for Addiction Prevention and OKANA.
November 12, 2024 - Tuesday
Komotini10:00 - 13:00, Komotini Primary School: Workshop on “School Bullying.”
18:00 - 20:00, Kozlukebir Municipal Hall: Presentation on prevention of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, such as the West Nile virus.
Other highlights include a "Healthy Street Food Festival" on November 13, blood donation drives, musical and dance events for the elderly, and a concert by the Endless Stream band. The week will conclude with sports activities for children with disabilities and their peers at the Olympic Sports Facilities on November 17.
Xanthi Regional Events
Melissa VillageNovember 11, 2024: Environmental health awareness tour and educational pamphlets for the public, in collaboration with the Municipality of Topiros.
XanthiNovember 12, 2024: Conference on “Domestic Violence - Caregivers” and a bone marrow donation conference with local and international organizations.
Activities will also include workshops on Braille and daily life skills for the visually impaired, conferences on climate change and infectious diseases, and a nature hike in collaboration with the Xanthi Mountaineering Association.
These events collectively underscore East Macedonia and Thrace’s commitment to improving public health and social welfare, with an extensive focus on community engagement and education.
