Concerning situation in the field of public health of Sarajevo Canton: Leptospirosis and meningitis infections in children

(Patria) - The Cantonal Organization of the Party of Democratic Action Sarajevo expresses serious concern over alarming information that has disturbed the public of Sarajevo Canton in recent days.

First, the occurrence of leptospirosis cases in the area of Sarajevo Canton indicates years of neglect of mandatory systematic deratization. Years of failure to implement these measures have directly contributed to the development of conditions for the spread of infectious diseases transmitted by rodents, including the potentially dangerous leptospirosis.

"The competent institutions of the Canton should have recognized and prevented this risk in time, and the current situation is proof of serious failures in public health management. Second, published evidence of meningitis infections in children hospitalized at the Pediatric Clinic of the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo further disturbs the public and requires an urgent and transparent response from health authorities. Such information must not be ignored nor covered up – every child deserves the highest standard of health care and safety," say the Cantonal Organization of the Party of Democratic Action.

The Cantonal Organization of the Party of Democratic Action Sarajevo demands from the Government of Sarajevo Canton, the Ministry of Health of Sarajevo Canton, and the Institute for Public Health of Sarajevo Canton: Urgent and comprehensive deratization across the entire canton, Transparent investigation and public information about the causes of meningitis infections, Determination of responsibility of all those whose failures contributed to these situations, Initiation of permanent measures for the prevention of similar cases in the future. The Party of Democratic Action Sarajevo will, through its representatives in the Cantonal Assembly, insist on an urgent debate on public health safety in Sarajevo Canton. The health of citizens, especially children, must be an absolute priority.