Nicosia, Cyprus. Mosquito-borne diseases, once seen as remote risks, are now a pressing public health issue in Europe, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides said on Wednesday at a conference in Nicosia. He said climate change, environmental pressures and increased global movement are altering the spread of these diseases.
Conference focus
The conference, part of Cyprus’ EU presidency, brought together experts and policymakers from across Europe.
Rising health risks
Charalambides said conditions such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika and West Nile virus are no longer theoretical concerns but indicators of a changing climate that requires heightened vigilance.
He said mosquito-borne illnesses illustrate the health impacts of climate change, with rising temperatures and demographic shifts affecting disease-carrying mosquitoes.
Call for preparedness
The minister called for a comprehensive public health approach centred on prevention, sustainability and the One Health principle, which links human, animal and environmental health.
He said Cyprus is particularly vulnerable because of its location and climate and stressed the need for preparedness before outbreaks through investment in surveillance, research, laboratory capacity and mosquito-control strategies.
European challenge
Charalambides said mosquito-borne diseases should be viewed as a strategic European challenge affecting tourism, agriculture, infrastructure and social wellbeing.
Ole Heuer of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said Europe is facing a “new reality” in vector-borne disease epidemiology.