Intervention – Greece, Health Attaché Mr. Dimitrios Kranias-1st WHO Ministerial Conference on Global Action against Dementia

Intervention, Session 3: “Strengthening Global Leadership and a Call for Action”.

Non communicable diseases pose a top priority issue of action in public health policy. Their inhibition, most often, lies in the hands of people. Therefore the prioritization of addressing them through the National Public Health Plans is mainly an issue of political will.

Regarding dementia in particular, due to the adverse effects in the years ahead, the need for a strong political commitment in this respect, is more than ever necessary.

Greece is determined to put dementia high on the public health agenda because of the linkage with other non communicable diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension.

In our country nine daycare and three integrated centers are already operating for dementia and related conditions, while at the same time dozens of advisory stations exist in cooperation with local authorities and other stakeholders. On 21 of March we will commemorate the seventh consecutive year of the «Caregiver’s Day».

Despite the economic, humanitarian crisis and health related poverty we are experiencing in my country, we will stand next to dementia patients and their families through an integrated primary healthcare system, while seeking the highest participation and contribution of civil society in this regard.   

Thank you