Source: CNA
Cyprus and China on Tuesday signed a 5-year plan in the fields of health and medical sciences. The plan was signed by Minister of Health Michalis Hadjipantela and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China Liu Yantao, on behalf of the National Health Commission of China.
The five-year plan of cooperation for 2023-2027 is based on a long-standing agreement between the governments of the two countries, the Minister said, adding that it reaffirms the close relations of the Republic of Cyprus and the People’s Republic of China, promoting the mutual assistance for the improvement of health care quality and delivery of medical services in both countries.
"The bilateral cooperation is targeting the sectors of control and surveillance of communicable diseases, hospital management, and food safety."
“The bilateral cooperation is targeting the sectors of control and surveillance of communicable diseases, hospital management, and food safety. In these areas, we aspire to improve our effectiveness and efficiency through the exchange of information, knowledge, and expertise, and by enabling direct communication between respective experts from both countries”, he said.
The Minister said that together we can do more and this is why the Ministry is actively pursuing international collaborations, noting that this is a very positive step taken with the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China.
“I am convinced that there is strong potential for great mutual benefits, leading to the improvement of public health in both countries”, he noted.
The Ambassador of China spoke of the upgraded relations between the two countries, adding that this plan is the continuation of solid bilateral cooperation. Liu Yantao noted that both countries and their people will benefit and that China and Cyprus will work together to advance their health services.
Replying to a question about the COVID situation in his country the Ambassador said that he wants to convey the message that the situation is improved and that 80-85% of the population has been affected and therefore there is resistance. He said that the infections reached their peak in December and that no new subvariant was discovered and the infections are now declining. The Ambassador also said that his country has shared information with WHO.
Regarding the restrictions and advice of EU member states for travelers from China, the Ambassador said that among all MS, 14 have not adopted any measures and that the rest of the countries are now adjusting their restrictions. COVID is now at a low level, he said, and we expect that the EU member states will lift the restrictions sooner.
