Greece has received its first-ever recognition from the United Nations and the World Health Organization, honored for advancing chronic disease prevention and tackling childhood obesity, according to ekathimerini.com.
At a ceremony in New York, Alternate Health Minister Irini Agapidaki accepted the award, emphasizing that “political commitment must be backed by science, accountability and long-term planning.” She credited Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for raising prevention to a ministerial priority and supporting reforms that aim at a “healthier future” for citizens.
The award acknowledges landmark initiatives, including the Prolamvano program, which has delivered more than 4 million free preventive health screenings, along with a nationwide strategy against childhood obesity developed in partnership with UNICEF.
Speaking at a related UN summit, Agapidaki underlined that prevention is now integrated into “everyday life” in Greece. She also announced that Athens will host the Global Conference on Childhood Obesity in February 2026, further positioning the country as a leader in public health initiatives.
This recognition marks a milestone for Greece, showcasing the impact of long-term policies designed to strengthen preventive healthcare and improve population well-being.
Source: ekathmerini.com
