Gaborone: Cyprus dispatched on Tuesday a shipment of nearly two tons of essential medicines to Botswana, under the International Action Plan for Childhood Cancer (Cy-IAPCC).
According to Cyprus News Agency, the urgent delivery includes antibiotics, painkillers, and antiemetic medications specifically requested for pediatric cancer care that are currently unavailable in the country. The initiative was led by Professor Loizos G. Loizou, founder and director of the Cy-IAPCC, following a needs-assessment conducted in partnership with pediatric oncologists and Botswana authorities.
The shipment was made possible by Medochemie’s CEO, Daphne Pitta, who donated the medications free of charge, the foundation added. The statement also expressed deep appreciation to the President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus for their support and the immediate activation of CyprusAid. The medicines are scheduled for delivery tomorrow, July 3, to the country’s only pediatric oncology center in Gaborone.
This marks Cyprus’ second shipment of paediatric cancer medication to Botswana in 2025. The first, in May, included chemotherapy agents and innovative targeted therapies. Professor Loizou emphasized that Cyprus is also providing technical assistance to ensure the proper implementation of international chemotherapy protocols, working closely with pediatric oncologists and Botswana’s health authorities.
Botswana President Duma Boko and Health Minister Stephen Modise publicly thanked the Republic of Cyprus, the Hope Foundation, and Medochemie for their vital support for children with cancer in Botswana.