Cyprus’ new mental health strategy, covering the years from 2025 till 2028, was approved on Wednesday by the cabinet and aims at improving services and creating an environment to support those impacted, by promoting social inclusion and wellbeing.

“Mental health is fundamental for the wellbeing of the people and social cohesion,” Health Minister Michael Damianos said after the meeting.

The aim to strengthen the mental health system in Cyprus and protect people with mental illness is based on six pillars, namely prevention, improving health services, social inclusion, reducing discrimination, inclusion in policies and legislative frameworks and research.

Damianos said the strategy had been drafted on the basis of advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and in consultation with all interested parties.

The health ministry has also prepared an action plan for the implementation of the strategy.

“An important aspect of the strategy is the setting up of a national committee on mental health, which will operate as an advisory body to the health ministry, ensuring the cooperation of all involved and the monitoring of progress,” Damianos said.

He added that the strategy was one of the main actions included in President Nikos Christodoulides’ programme.