The surveillance of infections, the treatment of resistant microbes and the rational use of antibiotics were the focus of an international educational seminar held in Cyprus, with the participation of scientists from the island and abroad.
The seminar, entitled "Infection Prevention and Control: Surveillance and Metacompetence", took place on October 23 and 24, 2026, at the German Medical Institute, combining interactive presentations with practical workshops on infection prevention, surveillance and control.
Of particular importance was the participation of Professor Andreas Voss, an internationally recognized expert in infection prevention and control, who is one of the founding members of international organizations active in this scientific field.
The aim of the event was to enhance the knowledge and practical skills of health professionals, so that they can respond more effectively to the requirements of infection prevention and management during daily clinical practice.
Resistant microbes and antibiotic consumption
One of the key issues that concerned the participants was the recording and surveillance of resistant microbes, as well as the monitoring of antibiotic consumption.
The systematic collection and evaluation of such data is an important tool for the design of infection prevention and control interventions, but also for the promotion of the rational use of antimicrobial drugs.
The seminar also examined actions that are part of the "One Health" approach, which treats human, animal and environmental health issues as interrelated.
At the same time, the implementation of infection protection measures in special areas and in vulnerable populations, where prevention and safety requirements are particularly increased, was discussed.
Artificial intelligence and new microbiological methods
An important place on the agenda was the modern medical technological developments and the possibilities of their use in the prevention and control of infections.
Participants were informed about new microbiological methods, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in this field.
The latest developments in research on the microbiome, a field that is attracting increasing scientific interest, were also presented.
Particular reference was made to the role of the specialized infection control professional and the importance of appropriate training for the implementation of effective prevention programs in health systems.
Cooperation between the university and health professionals
The seminar was organized on the initiative of the members of the European Committee for Infection Control (EUCIC), Dr. Konstantinos Tsioutis, Dean of the Medical School of the European University Cyprus, and Dr. Nikolaos Spernovassilis, Assistant Professor of Pathology and Infectious Diseases of the same university and Director of the Infectious Diseases Department of the German Medical Institute.
According to the organizers, the German Medical Institute is among the few hospitals in Cyprus that have a unified program of Rational Use of Antibiotics and Prevention and Control of Infections.
The European University Cyprus and the Cyprus Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases participated in the event, with the support of "Fronti" and Medochemie.
The seminar was credited and was attended by 20 health professionals from Cyprus and abroad.
According to the information of the organizers, the evaluation of the seminar by the participants was particularly positive, as it was estimated that the knowledge and skills acquired will be useful supplies in daily clinical practice.
EU-wide infection control education
The European Committee for Infection Control (EUCIC) was established in 2014 by the European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), with the aim of strengthening research, education and the exchange of scientific knowledge in the field of infection prevention and control.
Its activities involve representatives from almost all European countries, as well as from major international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Among its most important initiatives is the creation of a certified pan-European educational program for infection prevention and control, which has been operational since 2018.
Hundreds of healthcare professionals across Europe have been trained through this programme.
The holding of the international seminar in Cyprus is part of the effort to strengthen specialized training and the exchange of know-how in a field that is directly related to patient safety and the quality of care provided.
