The National Blood Strategy is a tool for meaningful reform and long-term planning, and the Ministry will examine it carefully and take the necessary steps for its implementation, Minister of Health, Neophytos Charalambides, said on Saturday morning during his address during the presentation of the National Blood Strategy in Nicosia. The event was organized as part of the celebrations for World Blood Donor Day, observed annually on June 14.
The Minister said that the National Blood Strategy is an important initiative that places patient safety, blood sufficiency and quality, the protection of donors and recipients, and the creation of a modern and resilient blood services system for the country at its core.
He added that Cyprus can justifiably take pride in its long-standing tradition of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation. ‘Our blood donors have made our country an international model, demonstrating in practice the power of social solidarity and collective responsibility,’ he said, thanking voluntary blood donors on behalf of the state.
The Minister noted that awareness and commitment to blood donation must be continuously strengthened and supported through an organized system that makes the best possible use of every donor’s contribution.
‘This need is even more important given the particular challenges our country faces. Cyprus has one of the highest populations of people with thalassemia worldwide, while patients with sickle cell disease and other chronic conditions also have significant transfusion needs. For these individuals, access to safe and sufficient blood is essential to their quality of life,’ he said.
He stressed that the new National Blood Strategy responds to this reality and is built around five key pillars: ensuring sufficient and safe blood for all patients, further strengthening voluntary blood donation, improving the management of blood reserves, upgrading the quality and oversight of blood services, and full alignment with new European requirements and scientific developments.
‘In this context, we seek better monitoring of blood stocks, more effective coordination among all involved services, and the use of modern technological tools,’ he said.
‘The Ministry of Health will carefully examine the Strategy’s priorities and proceed with the necessary steps for its implementation, guided by scientific evidence, sound management, and, above all, the needs of patients,’ the Minister added.
In closing, he said that Cyprus now has the opportunity to combine its strong tradition of voluntary blood donation with a modern, European, and patient-centered blood policy. ‘With respect for our blood donors and responsibility toward our patients, we are moving forward to the next stage,’ he noted.