Visit of delegations of the International Organization for Migration, the Danish Refugee Council and the World Health Organization to the UNSA Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

On 17 february 2021, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Sarajevo hosted delegations from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The delegations of the mentioned international organizations were composed of: Margherita Vismara (IOM), Šejla Keserović (IOM), Verica Rečević (DRC), Naida Softić (DRC), Vladimir Lukić (DRC), Ilarija Bašić (DRC) and dr. Mirza Palo (WHO).
The meeting was attended by, in addition to the Faculty Dean, Prof. Dr. Muhamed Smajlović, Head of the Institute of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Prof. Dr. Almedina Zuko, Head of the Laboratory for Molecular Genetic and Forensic Research Prof. Dr. Teufik Goletić, Quality Manager of the Institute Prof. Dr. Aida Kavazović and vice dean for finance Prof. Dr. Jasmin Omeragić.
After the introductory speech, Dean Smajlović held a short presentation to introduce the audience to the mission, goals and vision of our Faculty, with special reference to the public health importance of the veterinary profession and the role of the Faculty in protecting the health of BiH citizens and migrants in the SARS Corona 2 virus pandemic. After that, Prof. Dr. Almedina Zuko presented the history and current laboratory capacities of the Institute. In the end, Prof. Dr. Teufik Goletić, who in his presentation referred to the extremely good cooperation with the organizations whose representatives were present at the meeting, and thanked for the support of scientific research work on research related to the SARS Corona 2 virus. After the discussion that resulted in new project ideas, the Dean of the Faculty used the opportunity for the representatives of the Danish Refugee Council to present the Silver Plaque of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for outstanding contribution and assistance to scientific research.
After that, the mentioned delegations visited the Institute of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Stup, where they were acquainted in detail with the laboratory capacities and the future direction of development. Special attention was paid to the project of building BSL - 3 laboratories (Laboratory for Biosafety Level 3) and its importance for the wider community from the aspect of public health safety, and the implementation of which will require significant financial resources that the Faculty cannot provide without international assistance of organizations and state institutions.