The Romanian Society for Microbiology recognized WHO with a prestigious award for the Organization’s contribution to public health in Romania. The recognition came on 14 November 2019 at an official ceremony opening a national conference of microbiologists and epidemiologists, which this year commemorated 100 years since the birth of Professor Nicolae Cajal.
Professor Cajal (1919¬–2004) was a renowned Romanian scientist, academic, author and champion of human rights. He conducted numerous studies in the field of virology and made innovative contributions to research on poliomyelitis, rabies, measles, influenza, hepatitis and herpes. Among many other prominent roles, he served as President of the Romanian Society for Microbiology and also as an expert adviser to WHO.
Dr Miljana Grbić, WHO Representative and Head of the WHO Country Office in Romania, received the award on behalf of WHO. She highlighted some of the many ways in which WHO is currently working to support good health and well-being in Romania, including by helping to strengthen primary health care and increase routine immunization coverage.
“The award is a welcome reminder of the value that both WHO and the Romanian Government place on our ongoing collaboration for the great benefit of the people of Romania, in the past, present and future.”
The ceremony was opened at the Palace of the Patriarchate in Bucharest by Professor Alexandru Rafila, current President of the Romanian Society for Microbiology and Chief of the Microbiology Department at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases. Professor Rafila also represents Romania on the WHO Executive Board.