Ljubljana: Minister of Health, Michael Damianos, presented in detail the population-based cancer screening programmes in Cyprus during a Ministerial Meeting of the Small States Initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) Region for Europe, which took place on 12 and 13 May in Slovenia.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Ministry of Health stated in a press release that the Small States Initiative, established in 2013, is an important platform for cooperation between 12 member states of the WHO Region for Europe with populations of up to two million inhabitants. Its purpose is to address common challenges in the health sector and to exchange experiences to improve the health of the population. The WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, also participated in the meeting.
The press release noted that discussions were centered on the co-formulation of the European Work Programme for the WHO European Region for the period 2026-2030. During his intervention, Damianos made extensive reference to the cancer screening programmes already implemented in Cyprus, as well as those planned for the immediate future.
Moreover, the Minister addressed issues related to personalised and preventive care, along with the economics of health systems. He presented the current situation in Cyprus and exchanged views with his counterparts on effective practices and strategies for building national health systems.
The Minister of Health of Slovenia, Valentina Prevolnik Rupel, expressed gratitude to the Republic of Cyprus for its significant and substantial contribution to the meeting.
On the sidelines of the event, the Minister of Health had bilateral meetings with his counterparts and with the Director of the WHO European Region, the press release mentioned. Discussions focused on enhancing the cooperation of the Ministry of Health with the WHO and on Cyprus’ priorities in the health sector.