Cyprus is moving to establish its first comprehensive National Blood Strategy, setting out a coordinated framework for the collection, management and safe use of one of the health system’s most vital resources.
The strategy will be formally presented and handed over to Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides on June 13, during a special workshop in Nicosia, one day before World Blood Donor Day.
According to the National Committee for Thalassaemia and Other Haemoglobinopathies, the new strategy is designed to create a modern, resilient and transparent blood system, building on Cyprus’ long-standing experience in voluntary blood donation and transfusion care.
Cyprus is already among the countries with high levels of blood collection and safety, the committee said, pointing to the contribution of voluntary blood donors, the Blood Centre, blood banks, health professionals and consistent state support.
A five-year plan
The strategy was prepared following instructions from the Health Minister and developed through the work of the National Blood Donation Council. It followed months of consultation with more than 100 stakeholders, organisations and professional bodies.
The process was coordinated and scientifically supervised by Dr Androulla Eleftheriou, President of the National Committee for Thalassaemia and Other Haemoglobinopathies, who described the strategy as both a collective achievement and a national responsibility.
She said it brings together the knowledge, experience and recommendations of dozens of bodies and professionals, with the shared aim of ensuring that Cyprus has a blood system that is safe, sufficient, high-quality, transparent and resilient.
The strategy focuses on strengthening blood donation, improving blood management and use, upgrading blood services, reinforcing haemovigilance, quality control and supervision, and promoting innovation, research and digitalisation.
It also seeks to align Cyprus with new European requirements under the framework for Substances of Human Origin, known as SoHO, with the aim of further improving safety and public confidence in the blood system.
The workshop will present the main pillars and priorities of the strategy before its official delivery to the Health Minister.
Speakers will include Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides, Head of the European Commission Representation in Cyprus Panayiotis Pourgourides and Cyprus Medical Association President Dr Petros Agathangelou.
Source: CNA
