Health Minister Michalis Hadjipandela attended the EU Council of Health Ministers, which took place today in Brussels.
The main item on the agenda was the European response to the challenges in the health sector as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ministers also exchanged views on strengthening and cooperation between Member States on rare diseases, as well as on the European strategy on vaccination and the supply of COVID-19 vaccines, including solidarity with third countries.
Regarding the discussion on Ukraine, the Minister of Health expressed our country's full solidarity with the suffering Ukrainian people, stressing that Cyprus unequivocally condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Among other things, Mr Hadjipandela referred to the European Commission's recent communication on the EU's preparedness to address the needs of refugees, including their access to health services, stressing that it is the appropriate framework for joint action. Regarding Cyprus, the Minister of Health stressed that our country has taken all necessary actions to support the Ukrainian refugees it hosts, including their full and free access to health services. In conclusion, Mr. Hadjipandela also referred to the humanitarian aid that Cyprus has sent to Ukraine, which includes the donation of pharmaceutical and medical equipment.
During the Ministers' discussion on rare diseases, the Minister of Health expressed Cyprus' support for the strengthening of cooperation and coordination on rare diseases within the EU. Based on the positive experiences of European cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are convinced that European cooperation also in the case of diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases will benefit patients, especially in small Member States such as Cyprus.
The Ministers also had the opportunity to exchange views on the upcoming challenges of the EU strategy in the field of vaccines, both at European and global level. In his intervention, the Minister of Health stressed the need for continued and strengthened coordination at European level in relation to expertise, particularly in the administration of booster doses. Regarding EU actions at the international level, Hatzipandela expressed Cyprus' support to the COVAX mechanism as the main platform for vaccine distribution worldwide, noting that the Cypriot Government has already donated 145.300 doses of vaccines through this mechanism.
In the margins of the Council, the Minister of Health met this afternoon with Dr Andrea Ammon, Director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The meeting agreed to develop cooperation between the Centre and the Ministry of Health on the prevention and control of nosocomial infections. It was also agreed that the Centre would provide guidance in relation to the development of a vaccination strategy for the population in Cyprus for the next winter season.
Mr. Hadjipandela will conclude his contacts in Brussels tomorrow with a meeting with MEP Mrs. Véronique Trillet-Lenoir, with whom he will discuss issues related to the prevention and treatment of rare diseases.
The Minister of Health will then travel to Athens for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Medical and Public Health Services of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus and the National Public Health Organisation of Greece. The MoU covers issues of surveillance and control of infectious diseases, as well as cooperation in the design of strategic plans for infectious diseases, with particular emphasis on antimicrobial resistance and nosocomial infections.
For footage of the Health Minister's participation in the EU Health Council, click here.
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