Nicosia: Cyprus’s involvement in EU-level joint procurement and research initiatives for medical countermeasures is deemed not only welcome but essential, as stated by HERA’s Deputy Director-General Laurent Muschel in an interview with “Phileleftheros” newspaper. Muschel emphasized the significance of sharing specific information and general feedback on how medical countermeasure procurement operates locally.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Muschel expressed that increased participation of Cypriot organizations in HERA-funded projects is highly encouraged, especially as Cyprus confronts unique challenges in HERA’s priority areas, such as vector-borne diseases and climate change. These challenges provide an opportunity for Cyprus to enhance its involvement in HERA’s projects. Cyprus’s active participation contributes significantly to EU health preparedness and solidarity, reinforcing the European Health Union.
Muschel highlighted HERA’s focus on emerging threats to ensure preparedness and response actions in the realm of medical countermeasures. This includes addressing gaps in the development, production, procurement, stockpiling, and distribution of these countermeasures. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted that the crisis revealed a lack of preparedness, prompting the establishment of the European Health Union to bolster health security through enhanced EU cooperation, scientific agencies, and funding.
He also pointed out that Europe is witnessing more frequent and intense heatwaves, increasing the transmission risk for mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Cyprus, having faced West Nile virus outbreaks in recent years, exemplifies this growing threat. HERA is actively supporting member states with initiatives, including a £40 million investment to enhance surveillance, control programs, diagnostic tests, and develop medicinal products targeting diseases like dengue.
Muschel stressed the importance of mosquito control and disease surveillance in Cyprus and beyond, underscoring the need for targeted communication to citizens during high-risk periods. Additionally, he mentioned HERA’s efforts in aligning procurement strategies with national bodies like the Pharmaceutical Services of the Ministry of Health in Cyprus and the European Medicines Agency. This coordinated approach enables member states to pool resources and secure access to treatments for rare diseases, benefiting smaller health systems.