Visit of European Union experts’ delegation concerning biological safety

Visit of European Union experts’ delegation concerning biological safety with the purpose of studying of introduction opportunity of the biological safety strengthening project for Ukrainian institutions keeping extremely dangerous pathogens passed on November, 17-20th, 2008.

On November, 18-19th, the European Union experts’ delegation has visited Official body «Ukrainian Anti-Plague Station» of Ministry of Health of Ukraine located in Simferopol and preserving the National collection of pathogenic vibrios representing universal scientific value. 8 experts-representatives of European Union states were included in delegation:

1. Ms. Zuzana Sutiakova – Office of the Personal Representative of the HR for Non-proliferation Issues.
2. Mr. Daniel Van Assche – Office of the Personal Representative of the HR for Non-proliferation Issues.
3. Sally Hoffer (Netherlands) – Project Manager of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Security and Response, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
4. Mr. Aleksandr Michalski (Poland) – Bio safety officer, Center of Diagnosis and Fight Against Biological Threats from the Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemics, Pulawy.
5. Prof. Marian Negut Phd (Romania) –  Department of Microbiology and Epidemiology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Senior Scientist Cantacuzino Institute Bucharest, expert BTWC.
6. Ms. Ingegerd Kallings (Sweden) – Senior Medical Officer, Biosafety Adviser, Head WHO Collaborating Center on Biosafety.
7. Dr. Lorna Miller (UK) - Senior Biological Advisor - non-proliferation, DSTL Porton Down.
8. Ms. Heather Sheely (UK) – Manager of Safety, Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Health Protection Agency.

In the beginning of a meeting Director of station, professor Oleksandr B. Khaytovych has presented the purpose and tasks of institution, successes in practical and scientific work, personnel structure, the core activity directions for the nearest years, and also has paid attention to station problems. During a meeting, experts of EU have visited laboratory premises and have discussed the questions of interest.

EU delegation acquaintance with Ukrainian Anti-Plague station functions and problems

After having being acquainted with Ukrainian anti-plague station activities the delegation was accepted by Gritsenko A.P., Chairman of the Supreme Rada of Crimea Autonomous Republic, Plakida V.T., Chairman of Council of Ministers of Crimea Autonomous Republic, Donich S.G., Minister of Health of Crimea, Savchenko S.B., Chairman of the Constant commission of the Supreme Rada of Crimea Autonomous republic on social questions and public health services, Blinov V.G., Secretary of the Simferopol City Council.

Leaders of Crimea Autonomous Republic at the meeting with EU delegation (from a site of the newspaper «Krimskie Izvestiya»)

EU delegation at the meeting with a leaders of Crimea Autonomous Republic (from a site of the newspaper «Krimskie Izvestiya»)

During an official meeting EU experts have declared the preliminary result testify about cooperation opportunity in the field of biosafety and biological protection improvement of the Ukrainian Anti-Plague Station preserving extremely dangerous biological materials. Prospective project can be implemented in direction of pathogens indication and identification new methods introduction, of professional training and other questions.

Gritsenko A.P., Chairman of the Supreme Rada of Crimea Autonomous Republic, has assured EU delegation, that the Leaders of Crimea Autonomous republic understand Ukrainian Anti-Plague Station importance for Ukraine and Crimea as zone of the international tourism, and they are ready to solve questions of institution assets improvement, of new allocation place for new buildings construction if necessary, and also to promote of Ukrainian anti-plague station biological safety improvement.

Meeting with Leaders of Crimea Autonomous republic and the start of cooperation have received a high estimation from EU experts.

The official delegation conclusion on work results will be given within 6 months.