Health Minister Michael Hadjipandela travelled to Geneva yesterday to take part in the 75th World Health Assembly, organised annually by the World Health Organisation. This year's theme of the World Assembly is "Health for Peace, Peace for Health."
During the Assembly, Mr. Hadjipandela, in his intervention, condemned the loss of life during Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and underlined his support for the Ukrainian people.
Mr. Hadjipandela referred to his own memories as a refugee after the 1974 Turkish invasion, stating that in doing so he fully understood what was being experienced by those displaced by the war, who were in need of humanitarian assistance, especially in the health sector. Cyprus, he said, recognizes the important humanitarian role of the WHO in ensuring access to health services in the midst of conflict, and welcomes its efforts to oversee the operation of health facilities in war zones.
Referring to the issue of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, Mr. Hadjipandela stressed that Cyprus shares the view that the methodology on international response to health emergencies needs to be re-evaluated, as the pandemic has challenged the resilience of health systems and negatively affected economic development and social cohesion globally. In this context, Hajipandela added, Cyprus welcomes the decision of the General Assembly in November 2021, which paved the way for a global system. We strongly support, he said, a binding agreement to manage pandemics and mitigate their consequences, with the aim of enhancing preparedness and response. No one is safe until we are all safe, he added.
In closing, Hajipandela reiterated the conviction that only through peace can our common goals of strengthening public health, ensuring the right of access to it, and prosperity for all be achieved, concluding that efforts to promote and maintain peace must not be compromised under any circumstances.
In addition to the above, the Minister of Health, taking advantage of his presence in Geneva, will hold bilateral meetings to develop international relations on health issues of concern to Cyprus.
(AF)
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