Our cooperation is becoming stronger today, said Hans Kluge, WHO Director for Europe at the signing ceremony on Friday for the opening of the Agency's Office in Cyprus.
The ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides, whose help and assistance in the realization of the vision for the operation of the Office was praised by Mr. Kluge and the Minister of Health.
The office is temporarily housed in Livadia, Larnaca until another space is found in Larnaca and is expected to start its operation in the coming days.
We want this office to be the best in the world, said the Minister of Health Michalis Hadjipantela who spoke about an important agreement that will help strengthen the upgrading of health services in our region.
He said the next project they have come up with with Mr. Kluge is to provide treatment to Ukrainian children with orthopaedic problems, through cooperation with the U.S. Shriners University Hospital.
Mr. Hadjipantela said that we want Cyprus to have a role in our region and internationally, noting that it has the human resources and the will to do so.
Hans Kluge, WHO director for Europe, said that today marks a historic chapter in the Organization's relations with Cyprus and their long-standing cooperation. He said the epidemic offered important lessons to Europe and the world as a whole and that it highlighted the importance of solidarity and cooperation.
Mr. Kluge said that in the next health crisis, health care for other diseases should not be left behind, nor should there be a delay in operations, and that health services should be provided unhindered.
He praised the fact that Cyprus quickly took measures for the pandemic and moved at a fast pace, mentioning characteristically that our region can learn lessons from Cyprus.
He said that next week he will have a meeting in Geneva with WHO officials to examine the work plan for Cyprus and the issues that will be addressed by the regional office, which he said, will act as a platform between Africa, the Middle East and Africa.
Mr. Kluge referred to the importance of international and regional cooperation and coordination, which he said, which enhances capabilities in the provision of health services.
He closed his speech in Greek with the ancient expression "The beginning is half of everything" and said that this phrase finds its application today in this ceremony.
COVID pandemic, next steps
Both the Minister of Health and Mr. Kluge were asked about the coronavirus pandemic and the next steps of the WHO on the occasion of mutations and cases.
The Minister of Health said that of course we are closely monitoring the situation as it develops, but at the same time our concern is our own home.
He said that the situation in Cyprus is very good, cases are at low levels and hospitalizations are reduced. He said whether the pandemic is declared an epidemic is something that will be decided by the WHO.
He added that the recommendations are clear for coronavirus and flu vaccination of vulnerable groups and those over 60. In another question he clarified that the WHO office in Cyprus will not take part in the meetings of the scientific committee on COVID.
Mr. Kluge said the situation is improving internationally and we remain optimistic but cautious, with the main focus on protecting vulnerable groups who need to be vaccinated with a booster dose.
He recommended the use of masks in crowded places and good ventilation, which is necessary not only for the coronavirus but also for many other viruses. Mr. Kluge also said that the virus is mutating and we have seen this in the past so caution and vigilance are imperative. He also said the WHO would meet to see whether the state of emergency can be ended.
