WHO officially inaugurated its new Country Office in Cyprus, in the capital Nicosia, on 28 January 2026. This enhances an already strong partnership between WHO and the Government of Cyprus to advance public health, strengthen health security and promote interregional cooperation.
The opening ceremony was hosted at the new WHO premises, attended by the Minister of Health of Cyprus, Neophytos Charalambides; WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge; senior government officials; heads of United Nations agencies; partners; and representatives of the health sector.
A strategic investment in health and health security
“This office symbolizes a shared vision of health and health security for Cyprus and beyond,” said Dr Kluge, emphasizing that the establishment of the Office reflected Cyprus’ growing leadership role in global health.
“The Cyprus Office ... is unique, poised to serve as an emerging ‘Next Gen’ model, with intra-border as well as a cross-border focus. The goal? To enhance effectiveness and deliver meaningful impact,” said Dr Kluge.
Dr Kluge thanked the Government of Cyprus for its strong partnership and, on behalf of the WHO Director‑General, conveyed appreciation for Cyprus’ continued leadership and engagement. He also reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to delivering efficient, tailored and impactful technical support guided by national priorities, WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work and the second European Programme of Work 2026–2030.
In his address, Minister Charalambides underlined the country’s commitment to universal health coverage, health system resilience and continued collaboration with WHO.
A partnership already delivering results
Since the establishment of the Office in 2023, technical collaboration between WHO and the Ministry of Health have advanced key priority areas, including:
- Health security and emergency preparedness. WHO has supported capacity-building in areas of incident command and management systems, simulation exercises, all-hazards national risk assessment, and technical assistance with the development of a national plan for health emergency preparedness and recovery. Technical collaboration continues to develop a National Action Plan for Health Security, guided also by Public Health Emergency Preparedness Assessments, led by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
- Mental health reform. Following extensive technical assistance in developing a national mental health strategy, collaboration continues to guide efficient and effective roll-out. Over 45 mental health professionals received WHO QualityRights training to support implementation focus on human rights and community-based care.
- Health system sustainability. WHO convened a policy dialogue with relevant health authorities, to advance value-based purchasing, strengthen primary care delivery, minimize redundancies and improve quality. Technical assistance is ongoing through a national health needs assessment, with a draft produced to support evidence-based decision-making and inform ongoing reforms under the General Healthcare System.
- Climate and health. Cyprus’ Ministry of Health, together with WHO, is developing a national Heat–Health Action Plan, aligned with best practices from around the world.
- Emergency medical services. The Cyprus Ambulance Service is working towards becoming part of WHO’s emergency medical team certification programme, ensuring that Cypriot emergency medical services are on a par with international standards.
WHO appreciates and looks forward to working further with the Government of Cyprus on universal health coverage, mental health care, noncommunicable diseases, childhood obesity, diabetes, and tobacco-related morbidity and mortality.
“With the inauguration of this Office, WHO is closer than ever – bringing technical expertise, innovation and partnership to support national goals and regional cooperation,” Dr Kluge concluded. “Together, we’ll build a healthier, safer future for Cyprus and beyond.”