WHO opens new offices in Nicosia

The World Health Organisation inaugurated its new offices in Nicosia on Wednesday, in what Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides said opened a new chapter for Cyprus.

The enhanced presence of WHO in Cyprus, Charalambides said, allows for the use of international know-how and best practices to the benefit of public health.

The offices were opened by Charalambides and WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge.

Charalambides said the 2023 agreement to establish offices in Cyprus had already borne fruit, such as enhancing health security and preparedness, progress in addressing hospital infections and antimicrobial resistance, support for the national mental health strategy and interventions for the sustainability of reforms in the health system.

He added that the full staffing of the new offices would further strengthen effectiveness.

Charalambides and Kluge also visited the primary health centre in Latsia and were briefed on the handling of mental health issues.

The health minister said the mental health sector was a priority for the government and was high on the agenda of Cyprus’ EU presidency.

Kluge congratulated Cyprus for organising a high-level session on mental health and inclusion, adding that Cyprus had already completed its strategy for mental health to the period up until 2030, in collaboration with WHO.

He also said he was impressed by the Latsia centre and pointed out that bringing the provision of mental health services closer to the communities contributed towards minimising discrimination.