University of Athens School of Health Sciences Honours Greece’s Alternate Minister of Health, Eirini Agapidaki

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to public health and society, Greece’s Alternate Minister of Health, Eirini Agapidaki—a graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens—was presented with an honorary award by the School of Health Sciences. The award highlights her achievements in healthcare and prevention, as well as the lasting social impact of her initiatives.

It also acknowledges Ms Agapidaki’s work in implementing evidence-based public health policies and initiatives, conducted in close collaboration with the scientific community, while making a tangible social impact by promoting prevention, equitable access, and an improved quality of life for all citizens.

During the ceremony, University of Athens Rector, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, praised Ms Agapidaki, stating: ‘Eirini Agapidaki, a PhD graduate of our institution, designed—with the expert assistance of distinguished scientists at the University of Athens—the “Prolamvano” national programme, which is widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading initiatives for preventing the most common diseases, including cardiovascular conditions and cancer’.

In her remarks, a visibly moved Ms Agapidaki thanked the University of Athens for the honorary award, emphasising that ‘prevention and public health are not merely theoretical concepts. They are practical measures that can change and improve the lives of every individual’.

With this award, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens reaffirms its enduring role as an institution that recognises and supports individuals and policies with meaningful social impact, fostering dialogue between scientific knowledge, public policy, and social responsibility.