Chrysoula Zacharopoulou
Date of Birth: 07.05.1976
Country: France |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Medical Career
- Advocacy for Endometriosis Awareness
- Political Career
- COVID-19 Response
- Governmental Appointment
- Continued Commitment to Global Health and Diplomacy
Chrysoula Zacharopoulou: A Trailblazing French Gynaecologist and Politician
Early Life and Education
Chrysoula Zacharopoulou was born in Sparta, Greece, on May 7, 1976. The daughter of a military officer, she grew up in a supportive environment that fostered her interest in medicine. Zacharopoulou pursued her education at Sapienza University of Rome, where she earned a PhD specializing in endometriosis.
Medical Career
After moving to France in 2007, Zacharopoulou established herself as a skilled gynaecologist at the Louis-Jacques Bégin Hospital in Saint-Mandé. She became a renowned specialist in endometriosis, a debilitating condition affecting women's reproductive health.
Advocacy for Endometriosis Awareness
In 2015, Zacharopoulou co-founded the association Info-Endométriose with actress Julie Gayet. Together, they launched a national campaign titled "Periods Are Normal, Not Pain" in 2016. This campaign aimed to raise awareness about endometriosis and encourage dialogue among the general public and healthcare professionals.
Political Career
Zacharopoulou's passion for advocacy extended into the political arena. In 2019, she was elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the La République En Marche! party. As an MEP, she served on multiple committees, including the Committee on Development and the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM).
COVID-19 Response
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zacharopoulou returned to her medical practice at the military hospital in Saint-Mandé. She also became co-chair of the COVAX program, a global initiative to accelerate the production and equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
Governmental Appointment
On May 20, 2022, Zacharopoulou was appointed State Secretary for Development, Francophonie, and International Partnerships under French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna. She became the first Greek woman to hold such a high-ranking government position in France.
Continued Commitment to Global Health and Diplomacy
In July 2022, Zacharopoulou remained in her position as State Secretary in the second Borne government. She continues to dedicate herself to promoting development, Francophonie, and international partnerships, particularly in the realm of global health.