site.btaBulgaria, WHO Could Collaborate on Creating System for Preventing Violence against Medical Workers, Health Minister Says

Bulgaria and the World Health Organization (WHO) could collaborate on creating a system for preventing violence against medical workers, the Bulgarian Health Ministry said on its website on Thursday following a meeting between Health Minister Silvi Kirilov and acting WHO Representative for Bulgaria Guillaume Simonian.

The meeting highlighted the active work of the Health Ministry and the WHO Office in Bulgaria throughout 2024, along with cooperation opportunities in 2025. As a potential area of collaboration, Kirilov pointed to the sustainable development of human resources in healthcare and the creation of a system for preventing violence against medical and healthcare workers.

Simonian emphasized that the regional meeting of national coordinators for the International Health Regulations held in September 2024 was of great significance, positioning Bulgaria as a leader in this field. The regional meeting was the first of its kind after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the context of healthcare system preparedness, the October 2024 seminar on radiation emergency management, radiation protection, and international cooperation was also highly valued.

Kirilov noted that given the new financial challenges facing WHO, there is a need to prioritize future activities. Both sides agreed on the importance of financial discipline and accountability, realistic goal-setting, and achieving measurable results, the press release further said.

Earlier on Thursday, Kirilov conferred with UNICEF Representative to the Republic of Bulgaria Cristina de Bruin. It transpired at the meeting that the Health Ministry and UNICEF will continue to work together on child health.