Cyprus is about to implement a major research project for infectious disease surveillance over the next five years, which is a collaboration of Ministry of Health, University of Cyprus (Medical School and Center of Excellence for Research and Innovation “KIOS”) and the Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture. The aim is to upgrade and digitize the surveillance system for infectious diseases, within the framework of EU One Health programme.
In a press release on Friday the Health Ministry said that the project is called CY-ESM (CΥprus Empowered Surveillance Mechanism) and is co-financed by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA), within the framework of the EU4Health program, with a total amount of 3.5 million euro.
It added that the CY-ESM is expected to “significantly improve the country’s ability to accurately record the spread of infectious diseases, analyse data in real time, communicate quickly and effectively with EU health authorities and intervene immediately and in a coordinated manner to successfully address epidemic outbreaks and future potential pandemic challenges, given the rapidly expanding consequences of climate change.”
The CY-ESM will assess needs, improve data collection mechanisms and digitally upgrade the recording, analysis and transfer of epidemiological data.
According to the Health Ministry, public health personnel, health professionals involved in epidemiological surveillance and the general public will be trained with the aim to have interdisciplinary cooperation and communication in all areas related to human, animal and environmental health.
Also read: Stella Kyriakides: Prioritising health in Europe is necessary
Source: CNA/ELA/KCH/EPH/2024
