WHO representative visits Tetovo University's School of Medicine

An integral part of WHO work in North Macedonia is keeping up to date with the academic institutions where Medicine is taught. During her first visit to the Tetovo University’s School of Medicine, Dr. Anne Johansen, WHO Special Representative and Head of Office a.i. met with the high academic officials and with the students of the School of Medicine.  

At the meeting with the Rector of the University, Professor Dr. Kushtrim Ahmeti, the Vice Dean for International Collaboration, Associate Professor Barhdyl Dauty and with the Dean of the School of Medicine, Dr. Anne Johansen was informed that the University’s own journal Akta Medica was being referenced in other international journals, proving thereby the relevance of medical sciences taught at Tetovo. The School of Medicine, accredited in 2008, now enrolls 4,000 students at the studies of general practice, dentistry, midwifery, nursing and pharmacy. They represent a third of the total of 12,000 students enrolled at all Faculties at Tetovo University. As part of their developmental activities, the School of Medicine are soon introducing specialization studies in a total of nine medical fields.

Dr. Anne Johansen, speaking as Head of the WHO office in North Macedonia emphasized the approach of the WHO to the Macedonian health system reform, the initial phase of which is well underway at the Ministry of Health. University officials also expressed interest to be involved in the reform process taking place at the Ministry of Health.

Outlined at the meeting were the possible areas of collaboration with the WHO in the future: lecturing on and training in health systems operation; joint research projects; visits to the WHO country office by students for a first-hand experience of how WHO works in the country; Brain gain initiatives and focus groups with students; conferences and roundtables on various topics and collaboration with Economics professors in the area of health economics.

At her meeting with the students, Dr. Johansen delivered a tailor-made presentation on the organization, structure and work of WHO, followed by and engaging questions and answers session, as the human interest is centerpiece to Dr. Anne Johansen. Meeting with young people is always an opportunity to hear their thoughts, ideas and hopes for the future, to listen to the future of the country talking about their needs now. Such visits enable Dr. Johansen to make informed decisions on the ways of future work of WHO in North Macedonia.