Memorandum of Understanding signed to strengthen cooperation in the field of communicable diseases

The Ministry of Health and the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) sign a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in the field of communicable diseases.

This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between ECDC, represented by the Director Ms. Pamela Rendi-Wagner, and the Ministry of Health of Kosovo, represented by Dr. Ardita Baraku, Director of the National Institute of Public Health.

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding is to strengthen cooperation between the parties for the prevention and control of communicable diseases, through preparation for participation in ECDC activities and the timely exchange of information.

Based on the relevant regulations and laws of the European Union and the Republic of Kosovo, this document aims to establish a framework for cooperation for:

• Participation in ECDC support activities for candidate countries for membership;
• Strengthening surveillance, data sharing and response to health threats;
• Training, professional development and improvement of the cross-sectoral “One Health” approach to combating antimicrobial resistance;
• Exchange of epidemiological intelligence on specific diseases and participation as observers in ECDC networks;
• Support for improving epidemic response capacities in line with the International Health Regulations (IHR).

The agreement establishes the coordination of joint activities through the appointment of liaison points that will work on identifying common areas for cooperation through annual and multi-annual work plans.

This memorandum represents an important step for Kosovo towards integration into European public health structures and strengthening capacities for protecting the health of the population.