MdM honoured by The Hellenic Initiative Australia

The Hellenic Hellenic Initiative Australia (THI Australia) celebrated its 10th anniversary at a spectacular gala in Sydney, with Doctors of the World Greece being presented as the honoured humanitarian organization.

Speaking about Doctors of the World’s collaboration with the Hellenic Initiative Australia, the organization’s President and official guest, Hara Tziouvaras, expressed deep emotion as she spoke of the commitment, love, and unwavering support of the Greek expatriate community in Australia. She highlighted their profound desire to stand alongside Doctors of the World, through actions that truly make a difference in the lives of those facing daily hardships. Emphasizing the work of The Hellenic Initiative Australia, Ms. Tziouvaras also acknowledged the invaluable partnership with Doctors of the World within the framework of the THI Australia Public Health Project, at the Athens Social Polyclinic, which this year celebrates nearly five years of impactful service. The collaboration started and coincided with the difficult period of the COVID19 pandemic and the implementation of strict social isolation measures. The shared commitment to directly support vulnerable people during that difficult period helped Doctors of the World to continue uninterrupted service delivery for the health and psychosocial needs of those in greatest need.

With the help of the Greek community and THI Australia members, through the THI Australia Public Health Project, Doctors of the World was able to provide health and psychosocial care services to more than 17,000 people over a five-year period, carrying out more than 60,000 medical interventions. Specifically, for 2024, 3,605 unique patients were served thanks to the THI Australia Public Health Project and more than 13,500 medical interventions were carried out. At the same time, 1,769 routine immunizations were carried out in 12 months for children with limited access to the health system, with the highest proportion of those served (23.8%) in the 0-5 age group.

THI Australia Public Health Project

“Allow me to share that, according to our annual social return on investment measurement, for every 1 Euro invested in our program, 5 Euros are returned to society through volunteer actions, referrals, free biochemical tests, and more. This financial efficiency, among other factors, is what makes this contribution so special,” Ms. Tziouvaras stressed in her speech before the Greek community. “Let us all not forget, that behind these numbers we find People. People enduring immense hardship and struggling through the weight of a challenging and painful everyday life. The bond we have built, founded on solidarity and shared humanity, is the strongest message that Hellenism, wherever it may be, remains united, resilient, and steadfast in the face of challenges,” emphasized Ms. Tziouvaras, adding “trust me, I really know how you feel, as a child of the Greek Homogeny myself, I know how it feels, trying to balance our devotions between two countries, while remaining loyal to our Greek roots and Greek history.“

The evening was a touching tribute to a decade of support and contribution by THI Australia, alongside the Greek people, bringing together distinguished guests from the Greek Diaspora, friends and supporters in a common mission to provide social and financial support to those in need “back home“.

Greetings were delivered through a recorded message by Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis and in personal presence, the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, as well as the President of THI Australia, Nick Pappas AM. One of the most touching moments of the evening was the presentation by THI’s Global Chair Andrew N. Liveris AO of the THI Australia the presentation of the Inaugural THI Australia Honouree Award to Nick Politis AM, recognising his outstanding contributions.

As an honoured humanitarian organisation and on the occasion of the celebration of 25 March, the representatives of Doctors of the World in Australia participated in the celebrations of the Greek community, which are held every year with great emotion and respect for the customs and history of Greece.