Cyprus ranks lowest in EU for neonatal screening programs

Cyprus and Malta currently have the lowest rates of neonatal screening within the European Union, testing newborns for only two conditions: congenital hypothyroidism and phenylketonuria (PKU). By comparison, other EU nations have significantly broader programs, with Italy screening for 43 diseases, Slovakia for 36, and Poland for 30. European-wide research indicates that medical systems in the region collectively cover up to 87 rare diseases. The limited scope in Cyprus excludes critical conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), cystic fibrosis, and various metabolic disorders. Experts note that early detection of these conditions is possible through a single blood sample and can prevent severe disability or mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries with limited screening to expand their programs, as approximately 8 million children worldwide are born with congenital pathologies annually.