STCU News and Announcements
PRESS RELEASE: STCU Conducts Country Assessment Visit to Moldova on Frontline Biosafety and Biosecurity Measures in SEEE Region
411/48105 Feb 2024 - 08 Feb 2024
February 5, 2024
KYIV, UKRAINE – The Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU) successfully concluded a comprehensive two-day assessment visit to Moldova on February 1-2, 2024, focusing on Frontline Biosafety and Biosecurity measures under the P100 Strengthening of Frontline Biosafety and Biosecurity Measures in the South East and Eastern European (SEEE) Region Project.
The primary objective of the visit was to assess the management of frontline biosafety and biosecurity measures implemented by various agencies in Moldova. The itinerary included strategic meetings and on-site visits to key institutions responsible for border control, customs, public and veterinary health, agriculture, and public safety.
Meeting with Customs Service of Moldova
The delegation participated in a productive session with the Customs Service of Moldova, focusing on the objectives of the P100 initiative. Key topics included the role of the Customs Service in frontline biosafety and biosecurity management, collaboration with other agencies, existing guideline documents, SOPs, and training programs related to frontline biosafety and biosecurity measures, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
Visit to Chisinau International Airport Border Crossing Point
The delegation visited the Chisinau International Airport Border Crossing Point, a vital hub for the country's trade and commerce, engaging in on-site observations of biosafety and biosecurity measures. Face-to-face discussions with frontline personnel, including customs and border police officials at the port, provided valuable insights into existing procedures and equipment in place.
Meeting with Border Police
The delegation met with the Border Police to introduce the biosafety and biosecurity team within the organization. Discussions centered around current protocols, guideline documents, and training programs related to frontline biosafety and biosecurity measures, challenges faced, and successes achieved, followed by a dynamic Q&A session.
Meeting with the National Agency for Public Health
A comprehensive meeting was held with the National Agency for Public Health, covering an overview of health-related frontline biosafety and biosecurity efforts, coordination mechanisms with other institutions, existing guideline documents, SOPs, and training programs on frontline biosafety and biosecurity measures, and an exchange of best practices.
Meeting with the National Food Safety Agency
The delegation met with the National Food Safety Agency, discussing frontline biosafety and biosecurity measures related to agriculture, vet and phytosanitary, inter-agency collaboration, and an examination of challenges faced by the institution on the frontline biosafety and biosecurity, existing guideline documents, SOPs, and training programs on frontline biosafety and biosecurity measures.
STCU, in collaboration with the EU, expresses its gratitude to the Moldovan authorities for their cooperation and commitment to strengthening biosafety and biosecurity measures in the SEEE Region. This initiative underscores STCU's and the EU's dedication to fostering international collaboration and ensuring the safety and security of nations.