The European project CY-ESM aims to create a modern and integrated epidemiological surveillance mechanism for infectious diseases, capable of responding to modern public health challenges in Cyprus.
Cyprus, situated in the southeastern Mediterranean and a member of the EU, handled COVID-19 relatively well. Despite strained hospitals, the country managed to keep the number of deaths low. Yet, its surveillance and public health mechanisms exhibit significant weaknesses, hindering effective responses to future crises. Fragmented surveillance, the absence of a One Health approach, the need for digitalization, and understaffing of surveillance units necessitate urgent actions.
The EU4Health programme, the largest health programme by the EU, offers Cyprus a chance to address these issues and revamp its systems, positioning it as a competent player regionally and globally in the effective management of public health emergencies.
The project CY-ESM will assess current structures and mechanisms, formulate modern strategies aligned with EU standards, and strengthen surveillance for all notifiable diseases. Full digitalization is envisioned, enabling online reporting, timely visualizations, and advanced analytics. Furthermore, an integrated One Health system will be developed to connect health and agriculture ministries. These actions will modernize Cyprus’s surveillance, support collective efforts to detect and respond to future health threats effectively.
The consortium brings together the Medical & Public Health Services of the Ministry of Health, the University of Cyprus Medical School and the KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence, and the Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development & Environment, ensuring seamless cross-sector collaboration.
Project’s website: https://www.cy-esm.eu/
CY-ESM has received funding from the European Union under grant agreement No 101183322 and is co-financed by the Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) in the context of the EU4Health program.
