An opening conference marked the launch of the EU-funded project “Strengthening of the Blood Safety System” under the IPA Component I (TAIB 2009). The event took place on May 29th 2013 at the EU InfoCentre of the Delegation of the European Union in Skopje, Macedonia. Project stakeholders were welcomed by Ambassador Aivo Orav, Head of the Delegation of the EU, Nikola Todorov, Minister of Health, and Hendrik W. Reesink, Team Leader of the project.

Financial assistance for the project is provided by the EU through IPA in the amount of EUR 1,099,800 which will further strengthen the system through its two segments: staff training and purchase of equipment. Head of the EU Delegation, Mr. Avio Orav, said that Macedonia has made significant progress in this area by completing the reorganization of the system for transfusion, also adding that the project will help in strengthening the capacity of health workers in order to improve the conditions for adequate and timely use of safe blood. Minister of Health, Mr. Nikola Todorov thanked the EU for financial support for further improvement of this important segment of health care, which, he said, would be a significant step to bringing the country closer to joining the EU.

As emphasized at the Conference, the project is of great significance for the reform of the national system for transfusion, and for the provision of sufficient quantities of safe blood and blood components for all patients of public and private health institutions. The project’s purpose is to provide quality, efficient and continuous care of the population ensuring safety of blood and blood components, as well as protecting the public against contagious diseases.