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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.

Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.

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