Event highlights
8 August 2024
Participants included representatives from Bulgaria’s Ministry of Health, the Regional Health Inspectorate, local hospital staff, general practitioners, nurses, and Bulgarian Red Cross health mediators. The meeting opened with remarks by Professor Kunchev, Chief Health Inspector at the Ministry of Health, who emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts. "Today's meeting highlights our commitment to ensuring quality health care for all, regardless of status," he stated.
Robyn Prinz and Alden LeClair from PRM listened to inspiring stories from WHO-funded health mediators about the collaborative efforts in supporting vulnerable refugees.
Hospital staff highlighted their best practices, focusing on enhanced communication, service integration, and the use of WHO-donated surgery materials and communicable disease tests. Dr Svetoslav Todorov, Deputy Director of Burgas Hospital, led a tour of the emergency department, showcasing Burgas Hospital's facilities and innovative methods in refugee health care.
Guillaume Simonian, WHO Representative in Bulgaria, expressed deep appreciation to Burgas Hospital and the local health-care community. "We are immensely grateful to Burgas Hospital and the Burgas health-care community. You show not only commitment to the highest standard of care for all, but also humanity and generousity by taking care of these vulnerable patients who very much need you," he said.
The visit also helped in defining priorities for the forthcoming PRM-funded health support for Ukrainian refugees in Bulgaria, to be implemented by the WHO Country Office in Bulgaria, in Burgas and other cities hosting Ukrainian refugees.
Event notice
24 July 2024
Hosted at Burgas Hospital, a significant meeting will take place involving key stakeholders from the WHO Country Office in Bulgaria; Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) of the United States of America; and the Burgas health-care community to address and improve health-care services for refugees.
Purpose
To discuss and enhance healthcare services for refugees, with key stakeholders from WHO country office Bulgaria, The Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) USA, and the Burgas healthcare community.