THE ROLE OF THE SERBIAN ARMED FORCES IN HUMANITARIAN HEALTH ACTION AND FIGHT AGAINST BIOLOGICAL THREATS

JEFTIĆ Zoran (PhD, Professor, Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade), jefticz@ymail.com
ROKVIĆ Vanja (PhD, Professor, Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade), vanjarokvic@yahoo.com
RISTANOVIĆ Elizabeta (PhD, Ministry of Defence, Defence University - Military Medical Academy, Belgrade)

Due to the specific resources, available to all armies of the world within their stipulated missions, such armies play an important role in the fight against biological threats, especially the potentially most dangerous, bioterrorism. The real threat of misuse of biological agents and the possible consequences of asymmetric threats to public health, society, agriculture, economy and political stability has clearly been recognized in recent years. The Republic of Serbia is committed to giving its contribution to the global fight against this danger, given the experience it has in the care and treatment of infectious diseases, primarily of a zoonotic character that are present in our geographic area, as well as the response to crisis situations which create favorable conditions for the spread of infectious diseases. The Serbian Armed Forces and its capacities in the field of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear services, and its medical and veterinary services which have a long tradition and experience is ready to actively participate in the implementation of the measures of prevention and response in the case of biological threats contributing to the civilian community, medical services, and society as a whole in order to protect the life and health of the population.

Keywords: CBRN, biological agents, bioterrorism, Serbian Armed Forces.