The Directorate of Medical and Public Health Services (MPHS)
The Directorate of Medical and Public Health Services (MPHS) of the MoH plays a central role in disease surveillance in Cyprus. Consequently, being the competent authority of Cyprus in that respect, it serves as the main beneficiary of CY-ESM. It operates two crucial units dedicated to surveillance purposes: the Unit for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases (SCCD) and the Hygiene Services (HS), which includes a section for vector (mosquitoes) surveillance and the Medical Entomology Laboratory of the Republic of Cyprus (MELC). In addition to its internal units, the MoH oversees vital external entities that could help enhance the surveillance network and facilitate the use of electronic health records data. Noteworthy among these are independent and highly significant legal entities, such as the Health Insurance Organization (HIO), the primary health insurer in Cyprus following the introduction of the General (universal) Healthcare System (GESY). Additionally, the MoH supervises the State Health Services Organization (SHSO), which manages the hospitals in the public sector participating in GESY. These collaborative endeavours are essential for establishing a sustainable, resilient, and effective disease surveillance framework in Cyprus.
The University of Cyprus (UCY)
The University of Cyprus (UCY) stands as the largest state university in Cyprus, achieving commendable rankings on the international academic stage relative to the country’s size. UCY aspires to position itself as a pioneering research institution, garnering international scientific acclaim, offering competitive programs, and attaining excellence in the broader Euro-Mediterranean Region. Within UCY, the Medical School serves as a focal point for medical education and research. Notably, it houses a dedicated lab for Medical Statistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health. The Head of the lab (one of the two CY-ESM Coordinators), along with other faculty members, possess extensive expertise in infectious diseases, surveillance, epidemiology, public health, and the training of both students and professionals. Operating under UCY, the KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (CoE) was established in 2008 and subsequently elevated to the status of a CoE by the EU in 2017. Through collaboration with Imperial College London, KIOS successfully secured funding exceeding 40 million euros for the period of 2017-2024. This achievement represents the largest and most competitive funding obtained for research and innovation in Cyprus under the EU’s strategic Horizon 2020 program for “Spreading Excellence and Widening Participation – Teaming.” KIOS holds the distinction of being “the largest research and innovation center in Cyprus specializing in Information and Communication Technologies.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment
The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment (MoA) aims at promoting sustainable development for agriculture and fishing, while contributing to environmental protection and sustainable management of both the environment and Cyprus’ natural resources through projects, initiatives, and actions. The Directorate of Veterinary Services is responsible for the surveillance of animal health, zoonotic infections, and vector activities associated with human and animal diseases. Specifically, the State Veterinary Laboratories’ mission is to assure the state and its citizens for the reliable and qualitative testing of samples derived from animals or food of animal origin for diseases with impact on agricultural economy, public health, and animal health and welfare.