Nicosia, Cyprus. The World Health Organisation inaugurated new offices in Nicosia on Wednesday, an event Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides said marked a new chapter for Cyprus.
Inauguration and objectives
Charalambides said the enhanced presence of WHO in Cyprus would allow the use of international know-how and best practices to benefit public health. The offices were opened by Charalambides and WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge.
Outcomes linked to the 2023 agreement
Charalambides said a 2023 agreement to establish offices in Cyprus had already produced results, including enhanced health security and preparedness, progress in addressing hospital infections and antimicrobial resistance, support for the national mental health strategy, and interventions aimed at the sustainability of health system reforms. He added that full staffing of the new offices would further strengthen their effectiveness.
Visit to Latsia primary health centre
Charalambides and Kluge visited the primary health centre in Latsia and were briefed on the handling of mental health issues. Charalambides said the mental health sector was a government priority and was high on the agenda of Cyprus’ EU presidency.
WHO comments on mental health strategy
Kluge congratulated Cyprus for organising a high-level session on mental health and inclusion, and said Cyprus had completed its mental health strategy through 2030 in collaboration with WHO. He said he was impressed by the Latsia centre and that bringing mental health services closer to communities helped minimise discrimination.
How do you think the new WHO offices in Nicosia will affect public health priorities in Cyprus?