Geneva: Climate change is becoming an increasingly pressing public health challenge for Cyprus, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides said during a multilateral meeting in Geneva held on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the discussions focused on the work of the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health (PECHH) and were organised by the World Health Organization's Regional Office for Europe.
Addressing the forum, Charalambides described climate change as an 'immediate and growing public health challenge' for Cyprus, stressing that the country supports the PECHH recommendations and views climate and health as 'interlinked and inseparable policy priorities.'
He said Cyprus is strengthening its national adaptation strategy through improved preparedness, enhanced governance, and systematic risk assessment and management.
The Minister added that the PECHH recommendations contribute to stronger prevention measures, cross-sector cooperation, and evidence-based policymaking.
Charalambides also acknowledged that major challenges remain, including increasing pressure on healthcare systems, noting that building resilience requires coordinated action, systematic prevention, and stronger international cooperation.
As part of the meeting, the Health Minister presented Cyprus' experience and initiatives in the field and exchanged views with other participants on best practices and modern approaches to health policymaking in the context of climate change.