The Ministry of Health today, Friday, 27 January 2023, signed an Agreement with the Regional Office for Europe of the World Health Organization for the establishment of a World Health Organization Country Office in Larnaca.
Cyprus, having an established history of excellence in science and research, implements policies based on evidence-based science. In this context, the Ministry of Health has undertaken a series of consultations with the World Health Organization's Regional Office for Europe, with a view to establishing a World Health Organization Country Office in Larnaca, with the aim of further strengthening Cyprus' relations and upgrading public health, both in Cyprus and in the wider region.
The Office is expected to be active in the following key areas, among others: Strengthening public health and upgrading preparedness to address emerging and epidemic-prone infectious diseases, through the promotion of innovative actions aimed at prevention, as well as in the collection, dissemination and evaluation of epidemiological data. Also, the development of policies in the field of Communicable Diseases and Zoonoses, promotion of actions, response mechanisms and preparation of cooperation tools. Michalis Hadjipandela, mentioned the assistance of the Shriners Hospital orthopaedic team in Cyprus, followed by Ukraine and the rest of the world, as an example of projects already implemented, and a sign of what is to come with the WHO Country Office. "We want to play a role, not only in the region, but also internationally, making this office the best in the world. Cyprus has both the will and the expertise to support the World Health Organization in a worthy manner."
In turn, WHO Regional Director, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, praised Cyprus for its rapid adoption of digital tools to respond to the pandemic and quick measures to limit the transmission of the virus to protect its people. The public health of a nation, he added, is linked to the public health of the region, which in turn is linked to global public health. He said that the European Region has much to learn from Cyprus and that because of its vital role in public health, the WHO is pleased with the invitation of the Cyprus Government to open an Office in the country. A full WHO presence in Cyprus, he added, is indicative that the WHO can support Cyprus in various aspects of public health, as well as draw on Cyprus' considerable experience and expertise.
(AF)
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