The Ministry of Health of the Zenica-Doboj Canton was organized in Zenica Round table within the project “Strengthening the consciousness on immunization and engagement of all sectors”, gathering representatives of the health, judicial and inspection system, international organization and domestic partners.
This is the first time in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina that the health sector, judicial and inspection sat together and discussed the improvement of the obligatory immunization, which makes this event a turning point in the protection of public health.
Health Minister ZDK, Aida Salčinović, in the introductory address emphasized that immunization is much more than a health issue:
– There is an obligation of the institutions, the right of every child and the responsibility of the entire society. Our goal is for parents to know that vaccine means protection, and that we have a duty to enable us as a system, Salčinović said.
Assistant Federal Health Minister Prim. Dr. Goran Cherkez reminded that vaccines saved hundreds of millions of lives in the past two centuries, and pointed out the ZDK as an example of good practice in the Federation of BiH. He stated that thanks to the additional engagement of health workers in the Canton, the coverage of immunization in certain local communities increased by 200 percent during the morbile epidemic.
– Parent’s decision is to protect his child by vaccination, because the right of the child’s health always stands above his parents’ rights. Together we can increase the coverage and reach collective protection – Cerkez pointed out.
Chief of Epidemiology Service at the Institute of Health and Food Safety Zenica Dr. Alice Kozica was reminded that last year in the ZDK was declared the epidemic of Morbil, with tragic outcomes in two children. Despite this, strong joint efforts in just a year, the coverage of immunization in many environments increased from 30 to over 90 percent.
The Council of Minister, Hannah Busuladžić Kazic, emphasized that in the Federation of BiH is a legal obligation, and parents who unjustifiably refuse their children’s vaccination can be sanctioned by misdemeanor penalties from 100 to 2,000 KM.
– The right child on health protection is above each personal assessment of parents. Our inspections regularly treat and report cases of unjustified vaccination rejection, which confirm that the law is not a dead letter on paper – the Busuladžić Kazic pointed out.
A special importance to the meeting was given by the European Court of Human Rights of the Faris Vehabović, which included through Strasbourg video and spoke about the practice of this court in the subjects of compulsory immunization. His presentation emphasized that the right of the child to health and vaccination in the European legal framework treats as a thorough human right.
The additional power of the meeting gave international organizations, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Fami Foundation. The representative of the WHO Stela Stela Stojisavljevic emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina is part of the global public health network and that the WHO stands with domestic institutions covered by immunization, providing professional and technical support.
Eldin Fisekovic, representative of the Fami Foundation reminded himself at a multi-year commitment to strengthening the health care system in BiH, and especially the importance of supporting vaccinal programs and local health teams. Fami is recognized as a reliable partner that continuously strengthens the system capacity and enables the sustainability of public health projects
The second part of the round table was dedicated to the exchange of professional experiences and attitudes of the participants – representatives of the judiciary, inspection, health institutions and international partners. It was also discussed how to empower the implementation of legal provisions through joint action and increase the coverage of immunization.
At the end of the meeting, the following steps were agreed: more intense inspection, continuous education of parents, timely availability of vaccines and the firm coordination of all field institutions
The Health Ministry of Health This via parents to meet its legal and moral obligation – vaccination means the health and safety of their children and the entire society.
