About us

"Aspida Zois" (Life Shield)  is a non-profit Association for patients, families and friends of patients suffering from Inherited Metabolic Diseases (IMDs).
It was officially established on July 9, 2013, and it is based in Cyprus.

"Aspida Zois" is a member of the European Organisation for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) and  the Cyprus Alliance for Rare Disorders (CARD)

The Association "Aspida Zois" is placed under the auspices of the First Lady Ms Andri Anastasiades on 20/03/2014.

The aim of the association is generally to provide all possible scientific, social and moral support to those suffering from inherited metabolic diseases and their families.

In particular the objectives of the association are:

(A) The improvement of health conditions and treatment of people with IMDs by qualified personnel (metabolic physicians, metabolic dieticians, neurologists, geneticists, laboratory scientists, psychologists, occupational therapists).

(B) The protection of the rights of patients suffering from Inherited Metabolic Diseases (IMDs) and the enhancement and promotion of issues relating to patients suffering from IMDs

(C) The moral support of families with children suffering from IMDs

(D) Continuous updating of parents and guardians and the children themselves, if they have the appropriate age concerning their IMD and the effects it has on the present and the future, through educational seminars

(E) The promotion of scientific research and cooperation to increase knowledge on IMDs and eventually this will contribute to develop new and/or improved therapies

(F) The development of relationships and ties with other similar associations in the EU and worldwide

(G) The promotion of public awareness by creating communication forum between experienced researchers, advising both directly and through other existing organizations and promoting public funding for strengthening purposes.

(H) Inform the public and any competent government about IMDs and the social implications of the difficulties incur.

(I) The development of any other lawful activity that will contribute to the promotion and resolution of medical and social problems of people with IMDs

(J) Communicating with doctors and specialists to establish meetings with patients suffering from IMDs either in Cyprus or abroad.

(K) The promotion of the association, presenting its aims and achievements abroad.

 

You can register as a member of Aspida Zois if you suffer from any inherited metabolic disease, have family members with IMDs, or even be an adult individual who wish to contribute in the association's support through your registration

 For more information, please contact us at telephone number (+357) 97750812 , by email at info@aspidazois.com or by filling in your details on our website under "Registration Form" in the left panel and we will contact you.


You can find us on Facebook by entering the search field: Aspida Zois Page
 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1. President: Marios Vakanas

2. Vice President: Georgios Theodorou

3. Secretary: Vaso Tikkou

4. Treasurer: Christina Aristotelous

5. Member: Vasilis Prodromou

SCIENTIFIC COUNSELOR

Dr Anthi Drousiotou

HONORARY MEMBER AND EXTERNAL PARTNER

Dr Stalo Papoutsou

HONORARY MEMBERS 

Dr Stalo Papoutsou (Clinical Dietician)

Dr Paola Nicolaides (Paediatric Neurologist)

Dr Elli Siama (Paediatrician)

Ms Georgia Chiappa (Clinical Paediatric Dietitian)

Ms Elena Riga (Lawyer)