Press Releases

It is with great pleasure that I address the Kick-Off Meeting of Project ''Supporting Mental health Resilience among Youth in Cyprus" organized by the Nursing Services of the Ministry of Health, DG REFORM and UNICEF.

I would like to warmly thank the European Commission for its decision to fund this project and provide technical support to the Ministry of Health of Cyprus for the next two years.  I would further like to convey our gratitude to UNICEF colleagues who will implement this project.

The last three years have undoubtedly been far from easy. The COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of the cost of living have had a tremendous impact on people's mental health and well-being.  Available data has shown that, compared to many other social groups, young people have been more disproportionately affected.

In Cyprus, the progress achieved in the field of Public Health in recent decades has been enormous. Significant financial resources have been invested both by the state and by the private sector. However, in a society that is constantly evolving, creating new and daily increased health needs, we are obliged to further innovate and enhance our services accordingly.

One of the Strategic Objectives of the Ministry of Health is to offer preventive quality care through the design, implementation and evaluation of preventive programs and promotion of Public Health.

The Project ''Suporting Mental health Resilience among Youth in Cyprus” will significantly contribute to the Ministry of Health's initiative to develop a National Strategy for Mental Health, with all Stakeholders involved.  

Ladies and gentlemen,

The time is right for strengthening our cooperation, with our young people, with the Youth Board of Cyprus and with the Cyprus Youth Council. There is an opportunity for strengthening our cooperation with Municipalities which also play an important role in the field of prevention and promotion of Public Health. There is willingness and motivation among all agencies involved to promote the mental well-being of young people, as well as to improve the psychosocial support for young people in Cyprus.

I, therefore, convey my heartfelt congratulations to everyone who has contributed to the realization of the Kick-off Meeting, the preparation and development of the Project, as well as to all the agencies involved, especially to our young generation who will contribute the most for the implementation of our Project.

 It is truly an honor to have each and every one of you here today. Each participant here brings unique skills and perspectives that will contribute to the success of Project “Supporting Mental health Resilience among Youth in Cyprus”.

I once again welcome our distinguished guests from abroad and wish them a pleasant stay on our island.

I now declare the opening of this meeting and wish that it will be successful and productive.

(DC)