The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works
announces that tonight, 22nd of February 2021, the Department of
Antiquities, as part of the World Encephalitis Day, will light red the
Medieval Castles of Pafos and Larnaka, to highlight the solidarity of the
entire society towards our fellow men and women, who suffer from this
condition.
The Department of Antiquities, as always, stands
together with all citizens, as our cultural heritage comprises an integral
part of the society and is the link between the past and the future. Thus,
following the call of the honorary ambassador of the Encephalitis Society in
Cyprus, soprano Ms Aliki Chrysochou, the Department of Antiquities embraces
this campaign as well, so as to contribute to the efforts aiming at raising
awareness concerning this disease. During the campaign, organised by the
Encephalitis Society, monuments and landmarks across the world will be lit in
red, such as the Niagara Falls and the Danube Bridges in Vienna.
Encephalitis is an
inflammation of the membranes around the brain and the spinal cord, and it
every year affects 500.000 people. It is caused by an infection invading the
brain or occurring through the immune system. Despite that it lacks of any
obvious features, it infects both adults and children, regardless of age, sex
and nationality. The consequences of this condition are unfortunately severe,
as it damages the brain, which makes everyday life particularly difficult.
Due to the severity of the disease, our monuments are lit in red to shed
light on the need to protect our less fortunate fellow men and women, who are
fighting for their health and life. As we currently experience the new
circumstances caused by the pandemic, let us not forget that some people are
more anxious concerning their health. It is therefore of immense importance
to have our archaeological heritage light up the path that we, as society,
should follow, to achieve cohesion, love and effective development. Our great
concern should be the safety of those who suffer, as well as of the island as
a whole.
(AT)
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