[PIO] Participation of the Minister of Health at the EU Health Council in Brussels

Health Minister Dr Poppy Kanari attended the European Union (EU) Health Council held today in Brussels. The main topic of discussion was the Open Autonomy Strategy in the health sector, with emphasis on the shortage of medicines in the EU, which was also highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In her intervention, the Minister stressed the importance of the EU's Open Autonomy Strategy and welcomed the measures outlined in the recent Commission Communication to address the shortage of medicines. She underlined that the measures are expected to make a positive contribution to reducing the EU's shortages and dependence on third countries. He also supported the need to focus on the development of innovative medicines, therapies and medical devices to meet unmet medical needs within the EU.

Ministers had the opportunity to exchange views on climate change and its negative impact on human health and the provision of health services. Dr Kanari said that prolonged heat waves and increased seasonal dust concentrations in the atmosphere are typical examples of the impact of climate change on public health in Cyprus. She advocated the importance of coordinated action on the part of the EU for appropriate training of health professionals, for public awareness campaigns and for ensuring the necessary medical countermeasures.

Further, Belgium's initiative to coordinate EU Member States in the event of a need to transfer injured people from Gaza to the EU was discussed. The Minister welcomed Belgium's proposal, noting that Cyprus would study the possibility of contributing to this effort. She also informed her counterparts about Cyprus' initiative to create a maritime corridor for the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza via Cyprus.

The Health Ministers also adopted Conclusions on mental health, which recognise the need to take action and adopt a holistic approach with emphasis on prevention on mental health issues, as well as coordination and cooperation between stakeholders at national and European level.
Finally, during the working lunch, the Ministers exchanged views on tackling childhood obesity.

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