Category: Health For All

Kapa3 in Brussels: Building European Partnerships for More Human-Centred Cancer Care

Participation in the Cluster 1 Health & Mission Cancer Brokerage Event highlighted the importance of digital innovation, meaningful patient engagement and cross-border collaboration in European health research.

28 September 2026 | Brussels, Belgium

Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre participated in the European “Building Strong Networks in Cluster 1 Health & Mission Cancer” Brokerage Event, held in Brussels on 28 September 2026, focusing on the development of partnerships for the upcoming Horizon Europe 2027 calls, particularly Cluster 1 – Health and the EU Cancer Mission.

Kapa3 was represented by Aristea Archontidou, an associate of the organisation specialising in healthcare information technology, health policy and patient advocacy, as part of the participation of the Hellenic Digital Health Cluster (HDHC).

The event brought together researchers, universities, healthcare organisations, technology companies, innovation stakeholders, patient representatives and policymakers, providing opportunities to establish European research connections and explore future collaborations.

For Kapa3, participation reflects an ongoing commitment to connecting the real needs of people affected by cancer with European developments in research, digital health and more accessible models of care.

From European Research to Meaningful Partnerships

The event provided a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge, presenting research ideas and identifying potential partners for future European projects.

The programme included presentations on Horizon Europe 2027 priorities, thematic pitching sessions and targeted bilateral networking meetings.

Three main areas were addressed:

  • Healthcare Innovation: New approaches to research, prevention, diagnosis and healthcare delivery.
  • Clinical Trials: Research collaboration, clinical studies and the development of innovative therapeutic approaches.
  • Digital Health & Artificial Intelligence: Digital technologies, data-driven solutions and applications of AI in healthcare.

The discussions highlighted the increasing importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the participation of organisations that understand patients’ needs in real-world settings.

Research, digital innovation and social innovation should not be treated as separate processes. Their impact depends on their ability to address unmet needs, operate effectively in real-life environments and demonstrate meaningful value.

Digital Health and AI: Technology Must Serve People

One of the most important observations emerging from the event was that digital health and Artificial Intelligence are no longer isolated technical topics.

They are increasingly integrated into multiple areas of healthcare research, from scientific data analysis and clinical research support to prevention, information access and the management of complex care needs.

However, technological progress does not automatically translate into social progress.

A digital solution cannot be considered truly successful if the people it is intended to serve cannot understand, trust or use it.

At Kapa3, addressing digital exclusion, strengthening health and digital literacy, improving accessibility and ensuring the responsible use of AI are fundamental priorities.

This approach is reflected in the development of MYRTO – Kapa3’s AI-Supported Digital Social Navigator, designed to facilitate access to evidence-informed, understandable information about social rights, benefits and available support services.

MYRTO is being developed in technological collaboration with SimasiaAI, with the valuable support of the TIMA Charitable Foundation.

The initiative demonstrates how technological innovation can be connected with social navigation and the practical needs of people living with cancer.

Meaningful Patient Engagement as a Foundation for Innovation

Another central message emerging from the discussions and networking activities was the growing importance of meaningful patient involvement in research and digital health development.

Patient organisations can contribute far more than final-stage evaluation or symbolic representation.

They can help identify unmet needs, co-develop research questions, improve the accessibility of digital tools and evaluate solutions in real-world settings.

Patient involvement in real-world pilots, co-creation processes and user-experience evaluation can contribute to more relevant, acceptable and sustainable healthcare innovations.

This approach is closely aligned with Kapa3’s mission.

Experience gained through everyday patient navigation, the identification of administrative and social barriers and the systematic documentation of support needs can provide valuable insights for the development and evaluation of new interventions.

European Networking and Opportunities for Collaboration

Kapa3’s participation in Brussels, through the Hellenic Digital Health Cluster ecosystem, provided opportunities to engage with professionals and organisations active in research, digital health and social innovation.

The event facilitated valuable exchanges with several stakeholders, including George Dimitriou, Cluster Manager of HDHC, alongside George Nikolaidis and Martha Zachariadou from Ergobyte Informatics S.A.

Additional discussions and connections involved Sotiria Tsalamani from KMOP – Social Action and Innovation Centre, Nikolaos Papadopoulos from heeelp!, Angie Fasoula from MIMA Technologies and Ilias Nikolinakos from ELPEN Pharmaceutical Co. Inc.

These initial contacts offer opportunities to explore shared interests and potential future collaborations in digital accessibility, human-centred technology, patient engagement and applied health research.

Special appreciation goes to the PRAXI Network for supporting Greek participation, as well as to the National Contact Points and co-organisers whose efforts created a valuable environment for European networking and collaboration.

Kapa3 as a Partner in Human-Centred Research and Innovation

Kapa3’s presence at this European event strengthens its strategic direction towards partnerships that combine scientific knowledge with lived experience and community-based insights.

Through social and patient navigation, cooperation with healthcare professionals, participation in European research projects and the development of digital tools, the organisation seeks to contribute to the design, implementation and evaluation of interventions that respond to the actual needs of patients and caregivers.

In future European collaborations, Kapa3 can bring expertise in patient and social navigation, patient engagement, health literacy, service co-creation and the evaluation of end-user experiences.

This approach contributes to the organisation’s broader ambition to develop an evidence-informed, human-centred and evaluable model of navigation in oncology care.

From European Connections to Meaningful Social Impact

The Brussels experience reinforced the importance of engaging early in European research networks and building partnerships that connect science, technology and people’s everyday realities.

As consortia and proposals begin to take shape for Horizon Europe 2027, the involvement of civil society organisations and patient representatives remains essential for more inclusive research and innovation.

For Kapa3, European collaboration creates value when it leads to better information, equitable access, stronger support systems and tangible improvements in the lives of people affected by cancer.

Because innovation in healthcare should not be measured solely by what technology can achieve, but also by how many people it can meaningfully include.

Care does not end with treatment. It embraces the whole of life.

Further Information

Cluster Health & Mission Cancer Brokerage Event
https://www.b2match.com/e/cluster-health-mission-cancer-brokerage

Hellenic Digital Health Cluster
https://hdhc.gr/

Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre
https://www.kapa3.gr/

Explore MYRTO – Digital Social Navigator
https://kapa3-cag-rag-hybrid-deploy.onrender.com/

Kapa3 at HDHC: Bringing the Patient Perspective to Digital Health

Networking, knowledge exchange and new opportunities for collaboration

The monthly meeting of the Hellenic Digital Health Cluster (HDHC) provided another valuable opportunity for networking, knowledge exchange and the exploration of new collaborations within the rapidly evolving digital health ecosystem.

During the meeting, representatives of three new members — Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Center, Reformer Business Optimization, and ERGOBYTE — introduced their work, expertise and capabilities to the wider HDHC community.

Kapa3: From real patient needs to the design of solutions

Kapa3 was represented by Aristea Archontidou, who presented the organisation’s work and the experience gained through its daily support of people affected by cancer and their caregivers.

A central focus of the presentation was one of the most significant challenges people face following a cancer diagnosis: fragmented information.

Alongside their treatment journey, patients and their families are often required to navigate a complex range of social, insurance, employment and administrative issues. Finding the right information across multiple systems and public sources can become an additional burden during an already demanding period.

This challenge is particularly important for people diagnosed with cancer while still of working age. Support therefore extends beyond treatment itself and includes helping people understand and exercise their rights, maintain their social and professional lives, and access the services and benefits available to them.

The numbers reflect a real need

Kapa3’s daily experience demonstrates the scale and diversity of these needs.

Between January and July 2026, Kapa3:

  • handled 1,251 telephone contacts,
  • sent 497 emails to beneficiaries,
  • managed 306 requests from 241 individuals,
  • covering 52 different categories of need, including disability certification, social benefits and employment rights.

Behind every number is a person seeking timely, understandable and reliable guidance.

These data reinforce the need for services and tools that do not simply provide more information, but help people find, understand and use the information that is relevant to their individual situation.

MYRTO AI: Technology supporting social navigation

A key part of the presentation was dedicated to MYRTO AI, the digital Social Rights Navigator being developed by Kapa3 for people affected by cancer and their caregivers.

MYRTO is designed to provide access to information and guidance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in Greek and English, while also supporting voice interaction.

Developed with the support of the TIMA Charitable Foundation, MYRTO builds on Kapa3’s field experience and on the real questions and needs identified through the organisation’s direct work with patients and caregivers.

Its purpose is not to replace human support. Instead, technology is being developed as an additional tool for timely, reliable and more accessible navigation, helping people understand available options and identify the appropriate pathways for further support.

From field experience to digital innovation

This is where Kapa3’s participation in HDHC becomes particularly relevant.

Digital health is not only about developing new technologies. It is also about ensuring that these technologies respond to the real needs of the people who are expected to use them.

Through its daily interaction with patients and caregivers, Kapa3 can bring the end-user perspective into the digital health ecosystem and contribute to assessing the usability, accessibility, comprehensibility and real-world value of emerging digital tools.

In this way, experience from the field can become an integral part of the innovation and design process.

European engagement and new synergies

The presentation also highlighted Kapa3’s growing European activity through its participation in projects and initiatives such as e.Health4Cancer, MELODIC, MOVE-ON and PERIFORMANCE, alongside its continued efforts to develop new partnerships through European programmes and networks.

Participation in HDHC creates another meeting point between civil society, research, technology and entrepreneurship, opening new possibilities for collaboration focused on digital health and people-centred innovation.

HDHC: Building bridges for digital health collaboration

The monthly meeting once again demonstrated the value of connecting organisations, research bodies and companies that bring different areas of expertise to a shared digital health ecosystem.

For Kapa3, participation in such a network is not only an opportunity for networking and knowledge exchange. It also provides a platform for advancing a principle that lies at the heart of our work:

digital innovation creates real value when it starts with people’s needs and returns to them in the form of meaningful, accessible and trustworthy support.

June: Cancer Survivors Month

Survival is a victory — but care must continue

June is dedicated to people living with and beyond cancer. It is a month of recognition, hope and respect for every person who has faced a cancer diagnosis, completed treatment, continues treatment, or lives with cancer as a long-term condition.

Cancer survival is a major victory. However, for many people, it is not the end of the story. Life after cancer often brings a new reality: follow-up appointments, fear of recurrence, fatigue, emotional distress, changes in body image, work-related challenges, financial pressure, family adjustments and the need to rebuild everyday life with confidence and dignity.

Cancer Survivors Month reminds us that survivorship is not only about living longer. It is also about living better.

A cancer survivor is not only a person who has completed treatment and is disease-free. The term also includes people receiving maintenance treatment, people living with cancer as a chronic condition, and those who continue to experience the physical, emotional, social or economic consequences of the disease and its treatment.

In recent years, advances in early diagnosis, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and supportive care have increased the number of people living many years after a cancer diagnosis. This is a major achievement for medicine, research and public health. At the same time, it creates a new responsibility: to ensure that survivorship care is organised, person-centred and accessible to all.

For many survivors, the end of active treatment is a moment of relief and gratitude. Yet it may also bring uncertainty. Some people feel that everyone around them expects them to “go back to normal”, while they are still trying to understand what has changed in their body, their emotions, their relationships and their daily life.

The fear of recurrence, anxiety before follow-up tests, persistent fatigue, pain, cognitive difficulties, changes in sexuality, emotional vulnerability and social isolation are real experiences for many people after cancer. These needs should not be underestimated. Survivors need space to speak, reliable information, access to professional support when needed, and connection with communities and organisations that understand their journey.

Long-term follow-up is also essential. Survivorship care should not focus only on recurrence. It should also include prevention, early recognition of late effects, management of treatment-related complications, support for mental health, healthy lifestyle guidance and personalised monitoring according to each person’s cancer type, treatment history, age and individual risk factors.

The message is not fear. The message is awareness, prevention and continuity of care.

Life after cancer is also about rights. It is about returning to work, accessing social benefits, understanding available services, managing financial toxicity, supporting caregivers, protecting dignity and ensuring equal access to care. Survivorship must be seen as a social, psychological and practical issue — not only a medical one.

At Kapa3, we see every day that cancer does not always end with the last treatment. It continues in the questions people ask about their rights, their next steps, their follow-up, their access to benefits, psychological support, work, family life and social reintegration.

This is why people living with and beyond cancer need holistic support. They need information, guidance, psychosocial care, access to rights and services, empowerment and continuity of care. No one should feel alone after treatment. No one should be left to navigate bureaucracy, uncertainty or lack of information without support.

Cancer Survivors Month invites us to change the way we talk about survival. We should not ask only: “Did the person survive cancer?” We should also ask:

Are they living with quality of life?
Do they have access to the care they need?
Do they know their rights?
Do they receive psychological and social support?
Can they return to work and daily life with dignity?
Is there a follow-up plan?
Is there someone to guide them when they do not know where to turn?

Cancer survival is a victory. But the real challenge is to turn this victory into a life with quality, safety, rights, support and hope.

At Kapa3, we continue to stand beside every person living with and beyond cancer. Through information, guidance, empowerment and human-centred support, we believe that care does not stop at treatment.

It continues in life.

Kapa3 and Karkinaki join forces to support children, adolescents, and families living with cancer

The Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 announces its new collaboration with the non-profit organization “Karkinaki”, aiming to strengthen information, psychosocial support, and awareness around childhood and adolescent cancer, as well as to support families experiencing the disease.

Karkinaki is a specialized organization working in the field of childhood and adolescent cancer, focusing on reliable information, empowering parents and caregivers, and fostering a supportive environment around children and teenagers affected by cancer. Through community-based actions and awareness initiatives, it seeks to reduce the sense of isolation that often accompanies diagnosis, while also enhancing understanding, social awareness, and access to available support resources for families.

Within the framework of this collaboration, the two organizations will develop joint initiatives focused on information and awareness-raising, with an emphasis on actions addressing both families and healthcare and support professionals. The partnership will also include the co-organization of informational events, the exchange of good practices, and the exploration of participation in national and European programs that promote a holistic approach to patient care, with an emphasis on continuity of support across all stages of the disease experience.

The Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 is dedicated to informing, guiding, and empowering people affected by cancer, providing practical support and access to reliable information and services. At the same time, it develops initiatives that strengthen patients’ active participation in managing their health and promotes a more accessible and human-centered model of care.

In this context, Kapa3 is also involved in European collaborations focusing on the psychosocial dimension of cancer across different stages of life, such as the MELODIC project, which addresses the mental health of young adults with lived experience of cancer. This work further enhances the organization’s ability to recognize needs that emerge throughout the cancer journey, from childhood to adulthood.

This collaboration with Karkinaki reflects the shared vision of both organizations to strengthen a support network that goes beyond medical treatment, extending into families’ daily lives, information access, and psychosocial empowerment, with the aim of providing a more stable and meaningful presence for those who need it most.

Our Press Release here: KARKINAKI PRESS RELEASE

Text: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Continuing the Journey: Online Group Sessions for Mental Health and Nutrition – Third Cycle with Kapa3 and the LB.H.Sc

Following the warm response to the second cycle of meetings (see the related article here ), focusing on Nutritional Guidance and Experiential Psychological Support, Kapa3 and the Laboratory of Basic Health Sciences (LB.H.Sc), Department of Nursing University of Peloponnese are delighted to continue their collaboration with a third series of online group sessions for mental health and nutrition, dedicated to the holistic care of body and mind, designed for people living with cancer and their caregivers.

In this third cycle, mental health and nutrition are approached as two complementary sides of the same care.

The mental health sessions help participants recognize and manage challenging emotions such as anxiety, fear, sadness, or guilt, strengthen resilience, and cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and others.

The nutrition sessions explore how mindful and balanced eating can support the body, improve energy and mood, and become a meaningful act of self-care. Food is not only a necessity but also a way to nurture the body, mind, and spirit.

Program of Online Sessions for Mental Health and Nutrition & Themes

  • Saturday, February 28, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Myths and truths about “anti-cancer” diets. How to evaluate nutritional information and avoid risky practices.

  • Saturday, March 14, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Stress and uncertainty: practical ways to manage them during treatments and exams.

  • Saturday, March 21, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Giving space to emotions without being overwhelmed: recognizing and expressing fear, anger, sadness, and guilt.

  • Saturday, March 28, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Nutritional support during treatment & the role of cachexia.

  • Saturday, April 25, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Boundaries without guilt: protecting energy and mental resilience.

  • Saturday, May 9, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Safe cooking practices & kitchen hygiene.

  • Saturday, May 23, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Family and illness: changes in relationships and ways to support each other.

  • Saturday, June 6, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    The Tree of Life: who I am beyond the illness.

  • Saturday, June 13, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    What gives meaning to life now: discovering small but meaningful elements that sustain us.

Format & Participation

The meetings are held online, based on dialogue, experiential learning, and the sharing of personal experiences. Everyone participates at their own pace, in a warm environment of acceptance and trust. Consistent attendance helps build safety and confidence within the group.

To express your interest or join the first session of the third cycle (Saturday, February 28, 17:30–19:00): [Registration Link]

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

January – Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

January is internationally dedicated to raising awareness about cervical cancer. Known as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, it aims to highlight the importance of prevention, early detection, and vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for nearly all cases of the disease.

Cervical cancer remains a major public health issue worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 660,000 new cases are diagnosed globally each year, and more than 350,000 women lose their lives to the disease. It is among the most common cancers affecting women, particularly in regions where access to preventive screening and vaccination is limited. At the same time, it is one of the few cancers that can largely be prevented through organized prevention and early detection programmes.

In Greece, available data indicate that around 700 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed annually, while more than 280 deaths are attributed to the disease each year. The estimated incidence is approximately 8 cases per 100,000 women. Although this places Greece close to the European average, it also highlights the need for further improvement in prevention and early diagnosis.

Cervical cancer is closely linked to chronic infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus transmitted mainly through sexual contact.

HPV vaccination, combined with regular gynaecological screening through Pap tests and HPV tests, can significantly reduce the development of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. In this context, the World Health Organization has set the goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030, through high vaccination coverage, universal screening, and timely treatment.

January serves as an important reminder that information and prevention save lives. Open discussion around women’s health, free from fear and stigma, empowers women to take care of themselves and to claim prevention as a fundamental right.

Special emphasis should be placed on the systematic education of younger generations, as prevention begins long before any symptoms appear. Access to reliable information, preventive screening services, and vaccination programmes is a key factor in reducing health inequalities and protecting future generations.

At KAPA3, we believe that information and prevention are core pillars of care and empowerment. Through the dissemination of reliable information and the support of initiatives that promote public health, we stand alongside every woman who needs knowledge, prevention, and timely care.

Because cervical cancer can be prevented, we encourage everyone to take action. Give a meaningful gift to the women you care about: daughters, sisters, mothers, friends, partners, spouses. Talk openly about women’s health, share information, support initiatives, challenge taboos, and promote early diagnostic screening.

Information and open dialogue are the strongest tools we have.

Sources:

World Health Organization (WHO)
Cervical cancer – Fact sheet

WHO – Global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC / WHO)
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

ICO / IARC HPV Information Centre – Greece Factsheet

Ministry of Health – National Immunization Programme

Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY)
HPV and cervical cancer

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

International Migrants Day – 18 December

Health without borders: equal access to care as a human right

International Migrants Day is observed every year on 18 December, marking the date in 1990 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. The day is not only about population movement, but about fundamental rights, dignity, and—above all—equitable access to health care for all, regardless of origin or legal status.

Global Statistics

Globally, more than 281 million people currently live outside their country of birth, representing approximately 3.6% of the world’s population (International Organization for Migration – World Migration Report).

Migrants and refugees consistently face health inequalities driven by barriers such as language, limited health literacy, insecure housing and employment, and fear of exclusion from health systems. According to the World Health Organization, social determinants of health play a decisive role in access to prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, resulting in poorer health outcomes for migrant populations.

These inequalities are further compounded among particularly vulnerable groups, including children and young people, women, and individuals without stable legal status. In cases of serious or chronic illness—such as cancer—delayed diagnosis, interruptions in treatment and lack of psychosocial support can have a profound impact on disease outcomes and quality of life.

Situation in Greece

Within the Greek context, the country continues to serve as both a host and transit point for migrants and refugees. According to data from Eurostat and the Hellenic Statistical Authority, a significant proportion of the population residing in Greece consists of third-country nationals, while access to comprehensive health services remains uneven, particularly for young people and individuals with increased care needs. Despite existing legal provisions, practical barriers persist in prevention, continuity of care and psychosocial support.

In oncology, these challenges become even more pronounced. Cancer does not discriminate, yet access to care is often shaped by social and economic factors. The need for culturally sensitive, accessible and continuous health services is critical to ensure that no person is left unsupported when facing a cancer diagnosis.

In this context, Kapa3 has long worked to highlight social inequalities in health and to promote holistic cancer care for all people, regardless of background. In 2024, a targeted support initiative for refugees and migrants living with cancer was implemented through the programme “Cancer May Control your Body for a While, But Not Your Soul”, with the support of the King Baudouin Foundation.

The action focused on the regions of Macedonia and Thrace, addressing refugees and migrants in the area, with particular emphasis on the 15–24 age group, aiming to provide immediate primary care assistance and continuous support throughout the course of their treatment.

International Migrants Day is a reminder that health is a human right, not a privilege. Ensuring equitable access to care—especially for those most at risk—is a shared responsibility of institutions, health professionals and society as a whole.

A fair and healthy society is one that leaves no one behind.

Sources:

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

International Universal Health Coverage Day – December 12

International Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day is observed every year on December 12 to remind us that access to quality, affordable healthcare is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of just and sustainable societies. The United Nations established this day to strengthen global commitment so that all people, everywhere, can access the health services they need without financial hardship. (WHO)

Statistics

Universal health coverage is not just a goal. It is a central element of the United Nations  Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. Despite progress in recent decades, the reality remains challenging. Approximately 4.6 billion people worldwide still lack access to essential health services. At the same time, 2.1 billion face financial hardship in accessing care. Finally 1.6 billion pushed into poverty due to health expenditures.

These statistics demonstrate that universal coverage remains far from fully achieved, with significant inequalities between countries and within societies: poorer populations, rural residents, people with lower education, and other vulnerable groups face much greater barriers to healthcare. (WHO – World Bank Report)

Situation in Greece

In Greece, although universal coverage exists in principle through the National Health System, access to care is not always equitable or complete. Only a small percentage of citizens report high satisfaction with service availability, while around 12.1% of people have unmet healthcare needs, a rate significantly higher than the OECD average. (OECD)

Out-of-pocket healthcare expenses particularly affect lower-income households. Nearly nearly 10% of households facing catastrophic health spending, forcing families to sacrifice essentials such as food or housing. (WHO – Health Care Greece)

These inequalities are not just numbers—they have real consequences for quality of life. For cancer patients, universal coverage means timely diagnosis, access to treatments, continuous monitoring, psychosocial support, and palliative care. Lack of comprehensive, accessible care can worsen disease outcomes and increase psychological and financial burden for patients and their families.

At Kapa3, we strive to ensure that no cancer patient or their loved ones feel alone. Through educational initiatives, experiential programs, psychosocial support, and guidance materials, we advocate for healthcare access that respects human dignity, life, and real needs.

Universal Health Coverage Day is not just a date—it is a call to action for broader access, reduced inequalities, and genuine support for all. Together, we can make meaningful change.

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

World AIDS Day — December 1

World AIDS Day is a powerful reminder that the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over. Despite remarkable progress in recent decades, millions of people worldwide are still living with the virus. At the same time, inequalities in access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment continue to cost lives.

Established in 1988 as the first international health-related awareness day, World AIDS Day has since served as a global call for informed action, early diagnosis, destigmatization and equitable care.

What We Know Today About HIV/AIDS

According to recent UNAIDS data, more than 39 million people are living with HIV globally — and thanks to modern treatments, they can live full and healthy lives.

The science is encouraging. Antiretroviral therapy (ART/ARVs) allows people on treatment to reach undetectable viral loads, which means they cannot transmit the virus (“Undetectable = Untransmittable”).

Yet despite this progress, new infections still occur — mainly in communities facing social exclusion, economic hardship, or limited access to healthcare services. At the same time, lack of information and persistent stigma remain major barriers that delay testing and treatment.

HIV & Cancer: An Important Connection

The link between HIV and several forms of cancer isn’t widely known, yet it is significant:

  • People living with HIV have a higher risk of cervical cancer due to the more persistent presence of HPV.
  • Increased risk is also observed for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma and several cancers associated with chronic viral infections.
  • Early diagnosis, continuous treatment and regular screening significantly reduce these risks.

At Kapa3, we have published articles on the importance of screening and patient empowerment, which you can find here: Article1, Article2, Article3, Article4, Article5.

The Situation in Greece

Greece has made important progress in recent years, thanks to the operation of Checkpoints, the support of NGOs and prevention structures, the spread of PrEP, and improved access to treatment.

In 2024, Greece recorded a small decrease (4%) in new HIV diagnoses compared to 2023, according to the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY). However, underdiagnosis remains a real concern. Many people avoid timely testing due to stigma and fear of discrimination.

Prevention: What Each of Us Can Do

  • Testing: a simple test can save lives.
  • Condom use & comprehensive sexual education.
  • PrEP & PEP: modern and effective prevention tools.
  • Eliminating stigma: information and open dialogue remain our strongest forms of protection.
  • Supporting facilities that provide access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
A Human Rights Issue

At Kapa3, we believe World AIDS Day concerns all of us. Access to healthcare is a fundamental right. No one should be afraid to get tested, speak openly or seek support.

According to International Human Rights Law, discrimination based on HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, health status (including substance use), or sex work constitutes a violation of human rights.

World AIDS Day reminds us that knowledge, prevention and solidarity save lives — and that a world without new HIV infections is possible.

Sources

  • UNAIDS
  • HIV.gov
  • AIDS Healthcare Foundation
  • EODY (Hellenic National Public Health Organization)

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

This Year’s Good-Luck Charm (2026): A Symbol of Self-Care

The Good Luck Charm of the Year (2026) for Kapa3: The Crown

A Symbol of Self-Care

This year’s good luck charm is dedicated to self-care — a small, daily reminder of the deep importance of tending to ourselves with gentleness, respect, and consistency.
In a time when everyday life becomes increasingly demanding, this charm reminds us that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity.

It symbolizes all those small acts that keep us standing: the pause, the breath, the moment of rest; the warm embrace we offer ourselves. The choice to listen to our bodies, to acknowledge our limits, and to prioritize our health, joy, and inner balance.

And it is precisely this “pause” that led us to our good-luck charm for 2026: the Crown — a symbol that carries far more than what meets the eye.

In music, the crown (fermata) is the pause held by the performer —
the moment of emphasis before the melody continues.
So it is with every struggle: it requires breaths, pauses, small breaks — not to stop, but to continue.

A crown is also a circle. And a circle means you are not alone; around you are people, care, support — a circle that holds you.

If there were a title of honor for those who fight cancer, it would be a crown. Not as a symbol of power, but as a recognition of dignity.

Cancer can sometimes feel like a thorny wreath — heavy, painful, relentless.
And yet, depending on how we choose to face it, it can transform into a wreath of victory: the victory of persistence, endurance, return — and above all, the victory of effort.

Because behind every crown lies a story: of a parent, a friend, a child, a partner, someone who is fighting or supporting someone who fights.

That is why the crown is not just a piece of jewelry — it is a message of strength:

It is not what happens to us that defines us —
but how we choose to face it.

It reminds us that when we care for ourselves, we can truly care for others. That strength, well-being, and kindness begin within us.

May this year’s charm be a small talisman accompanying us each day, inspiring us to make space for what nourishes us, to embrace our vulnerability, and to celebrate our worth.

For a year filled with more care, more peace, and more love — beginning with ourselves.

Let’s fill our days with small acts that make a difference.
Let’s uplift one another.
Let’s turn self-care into a habit.

And for all of us at Kapa3, the invitation is simple: To weave self-care into our everyday lives.

Join the #kapa3gouri Self-Care Challenge

Inspired by this year’s charm — dedicated to self-care — we invite you to join the #kapa3gouri Self-Care Challenge, a collective action that brings us together through moments of care, calm, and mindfulness.

How the challenge works:

  1. Take one small self-care action during your day.
    It can be something simple: a walk, a breathing break, a warm cup of tea, a few minutes away from screens, journaling your thoughts, a hug you needed.

  2. Capture a photo or write a few words that reflect that moment.

  3. Share it on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #kapa3gouri.

  4. Tag two friends to keep the chain of self-care going.

Our goal is not the “perfect” image — but the daily reminder that we deserve time, space, and care. Each post becomes a small mosaic of tenderness toward ourselves.
A collective message that wellbeing begins within.

For 2026, choose the Crown — as a symbol of hope, strength, and dignity.
Wear it. Offer it. Share its power.

Thank you for being part of this journey.


The Kapa3 Team