Commissioner Kyriakides in Helsinki to discuss support to Ukraine and ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Tomorrow, on 1 April, Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, will be in Helsinki, Finland, as part of the Commission's ongoing efforts to provide support to Ukrainian refugees in the area of health, the management of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the implementation of the European Health Union. The Commissioner will meet with Aki Lindén, Family Affairs and Social Services of Finland, to discuss Finland’s approach to these vital issues. The Commissioner will also visit the HUS Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as a reception centre for Ukrainian refugees at Punavuori. Ahead of the visit, Commissioner Kyriakides said: “As we continue to step up our support efforts for Ukrainian refugees, the generosity and compassion shown by Member States, civil society organisations, volunteers and citizens is as important as ever. I will have the opportunity to witness this again in Helsinki. In the midst of the senseless war in Ukraine and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and with healthcare systems that have been put under significant pressure over the last two years, this spirit of solidarity and coordinated EU action is crucial. Moving forward, it is clear that building a strong European Health Union together with our Member States will ensure that our health systems in the EU are stronger and better prepared to address the challenges we face.”