Workshop on Health and Safety for Vulnerable Groups in Emergency Situations Held

Kragujevac, October 14, 2025 - Blind and visually impaired citizens of Kragujevac gained new knowledge and skills today to help them better protect themselves during emergencies. They took part in a workshop focused on protecting vulnerable population groups during natural and other disasters, organised with the support of the EU. The workshop was organised by UNDP in collaboration with the City of Kragujevac, the Institute of Public Health of Kragujevac, the Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired of Kragujevac, and the “Kragujevac” Voluntary Fire Brigade. 

“The City of Kragujevac is dedicated to improving the safety and health of all its citizens. I believe that the workshops aimed at protecting vulnerable groups are a good example of combining education with practical tools, which can be of great importance in an emergency situation", stated Jelena Pavić, member of the City Council for Health and Social Care of the City of Kragujevac. 

The workshop welcomed blind and visually impaired individuals of various ages. Participants were introduced to specific procedures for safe evacuation and actions during a fire, as well as the importance of proper preparation for such emergencies. Additionally, using the example of a pandemic, attendees were informed about key health protection measures to follow in the event of the spread of infectious diseases.  

“When an emergency occurs, such as a flood, fire, or pandemic, what helps us is knowledge: to recognise danger, respond calmly, to know whom to turn to, and how to help ourselves and others. That is why it is important for everyone to take something tangible away from this workshop - at least one new thought, a piece of advice, or one thing they would do differently if something were to happen”, emphasised Violeta Sretenović from UNDP. 

The workshops were led by Ivan Radenković from the “Kragujevac” Voluntary Fire Brigade and medical doctor Ana Miljanović from the Centre for Prevention at the Institute of Public Health of Kragujevac. 

After the workshop, personal protective equipment was distributed to the participants, while IT equipment adapted to the needs of their members was donated to the Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired of Kragujevac. Additionally, equipment for improved protection during firefighting - masks and firefighter lamps - was donated to the “Kragujevac” Voluntary Fire Brigade. 

This event was held as part of the "EU for the Healthcare in Serbia" project, funded by EU, implemented by UNDP and World Health Organisation (WHO) in partnership with Ministry of Health and Sector for Emergency Management of the Ministry of the Interior.