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When the inhabitants are asked what factors influence their health and quality of life, they generally talk about their families, their friends, having an interesting job, and living in a nice house in a nice neighbourhood.
It is obvious, that the things which make people feel healthy and happy in their towns are not only connected with medical treatment, but include other factors connected with themselves and related to their society, their environment and the behaviour of other people.
We know that health is a basic human right, and that the endeavours for its protection and improvement are the duties of society. It is, therefore, very important that these endeavours should continue collectively by the whole of society, and that people shouldn't be left to face their health problems alone.
In order to establish conditions leading to a healthier way of life, protection of the environment and development of a more caring society, it is essential that we all help; teachers, architects, agronomists, journalists etc. Of course, there must be correct information available, coupled with the necessary motivation.
The Municipality of Paphos, has adopted these concepts and begun a multilateral social activity, taking initiatives, exceeding many of the customary responsibilities of a traditional Cypriot Municipality. It is creating a social policy of assisting, informing and raising the awareness of the citizens, and encouraging their participation in the improvement of health and quality of life in our town.
What are the programmes “Healthy Cities”?
The programmes “Healthy Cities” are playing a unique role in the environment of a city. They promote the establishment of innovations and changes in the policy of public health, and actively support new approaches for its development.
They look for more effective ways of practically implementing the principles of health for all, and the objectives of their strategy in the town. They provide guidelines through mechanisms, which are tracing the interests of different groups, and assisting in their promotion.
The social policy of Paphos Municipality is based on the concept that health, its protection and advancement is the result of a series of activities, in which the citizens and the different authorities of the town actively participate.
The activities of Paphos Municipality in the framework of the programme “Healthy Cities” are as follows:-
- Creation of green areas and encouragement of the private initiative for the conservation and development of such areas. The establishment of a "Green Week" and the awarding of a prize for the best private gardens. ( Click here for more Information )
- The creation of a public beach and its incorporation in the European Union's Blue Flag. ( Click here for more Information )
- The organisation of scientific lectures about environmental issues such as 'the pollution of the seas and its consequences on the inhabitants life' and 'the handling of solid litter'.
- The arrangement for the collection and recycling of useless oils from internal combustion engines. ( Click here for more Information )
- The arrangement for the collection and recycling of waste paper, aluminium and glass.
- The establishment of a 'Blood Giving Day' and the strengthening of the Blood Bank of Paphos General Hospital.
- The establishment of the annual sports event 'Round Paphos' in the framework of the realisation of the slogan 'Sport is for Everybody'.
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