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Cyprus: A Global Leader in Longevity and Healthcare Efficiency

In an eye-opening study conducted by renowned universities Brown and Harvard, Cyprus emerges as a global leader in longevity while maintaining low healthcare expenditures. The study, led by Cypriot professor Irini Papanikola, uncovers insightful data on Cyprus’s healthcare efficiency.

Key Findings

Published in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine, the study highlights that Cyprus boasts some of the lowest mortality rates among high-income countries while ensuring affordable healthcare. This research has drawn significant attention, featured in media outlets across America and Europe.

Understanding Avoidable Mortality

The study examines avoidable mortality (deaths preventable through timely healthcare) across U.S. states and 40 high-income countries from 2009 to 2021. Remarkably, Cyprus presents some of the lowest avoidable mortality rates, showcasing the efficiency of its healthcare system even amid global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trends and Challenges

From 2009 to 2019, most high-income countries saw a decrease in avoidable mortality; however, this trend reversed for many, including Cyprus, during the pandemic years. The findings emphasize the critical role of robust public health systems in sustaining positive health outcomes.

The Path Forward

Despite the pandemic, Cyprus’s overall performance remains commendable. To achieve success, experts suggest addressing broader health determinants, focusing on preventive measures like road safety and mental health support through collaborative efforts.

Conclusion

Overall, Cyprus stands out as a beacon of healthcare efficiency, managing to reduce avoidable mortality with relatively low costs. This achievement underscores the country’s adeptness in providing high-quality healthcare, although continued research into population needs is vital for ongoing improvements.

Strained Household Finances: Eurostat Data Reveals Persistent Payment Delays Across Europe and in Cyprus

Improved Financial Resilience Amid Ongoing Strains

Over the past decade, Cypriot households have significantly increased their ability to manage debts—not only bank loans but also rent and utility bills. However, recent Eurostat data indicates that Cyprus continues to lag behind the European average when it comes to covering financial obligations on time.

Household Coping Strategies and the Limits of Payment Flexibility

While many families are managing their fixed expenses with relative ease, one in three Cypriots struggles to cover unexpected costs. This delicate balancing act highlights how routine payments such as mortgage installments, rent, and utility bills are met, but precariously so, with little room for unplanned financial shocks.

Breaking Down Payment Delays Across the European Union

Eurostat reports that nearly 9.2% of the EU population experienced delays with their housing loans, rent, utility bills, or installment payments in 2024. The situation is more acute among vulnerable groups: 17.2% of individuals in single-parent households with dependent children and 16.6% in households with two adults managing three or more dependents faced payment delays. In every EU nation, single-parent households exhibited higher delay rates compared to the overall population.

Cyprus in the Crosshairs: High Rates of Financial Delays

Although Cyprus recorded a notable 19.1 percentage point improvement from 2015 to 2024 in delays related to mortgages, rent, and utility bills, the island nation still ranks among the top five countries with the highest delay rates. As of 2024, 12.5% of the Cypriot population had outstanding housing loans or rent and overdue utility bills. In contrast, Greece tops the list with 42.8%, followed by Bulgaria (18.7%), Romania (15.3%), Spain (14.2%), and other EU members. Notably, 19 out of 27 EU countries reported delay rates below 10%, with Czech Republic (3.4%) and Netherlands (3.9%) leading the pack.

Selective Improvements and Emerging Concerns

Between 2015 and 2024, the overall EU population saw a 2.6 percentage point decline in payment delays. Despite this, certain countries experienced increases: Luxembourg (+3.3 percentage points), Spain (+2.5 percentage points), and Germany (+2.0 percentage points) saw a rise in payment delays, reflecting underlying economic pressures that continue to challenge financial stability.

Economic Insecurity and the Unprepared for Emergencies

Another critical indicator explored by Eurostat is the prevalence of economic insecurity—the proportion of the population unable to handle unexpected financial expenses. In 2024, 30% of the EU population reported being unable to cover unforeseen costs, a modest improvement of 1.2 percentage points from 2023 and a significant 7.4 percentage point drop compared to a decade ago. In Cyprus, while 34.8% still report difficulty handling emergencies, this marks a drastic improvement from 2015, when the figure stood at 60.5%.

A Broader EU Perspective

Importantly, no EU country in 2024 had more than half of its population facing economic insecurity—a notable improvement from 2015, when over 50% of the population in nine countries reported such challenges. These figures underscore both progress and persistent vulnerabilities within European households, urging policymakers to consider targeted measures for enhancing financial resilience.

For further insights and detailed analysis, refer to the original reports on Philenews and Housing Loans.

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