SDSM demands national operational headquarters to combat West Nile fever

The Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) is calling for an urgent and systemic response following the declaration of a West Nile fever epidemic. During a press conference, SDSM representative Keti Sterjova demanded the immediate formation of a National Operational Headquarters to manage the crisis with clear accountability.

Sterjova proposed several specific measures, including the creation of a National GIS map to track the epidemic and risks, intensive entomological surveillance, and testing mosquitoes for the virus. She also called for the mapping and destruction of mosquito breeding sites, integrated vector control, and the publication of daily public reports regarding the situation and national risk assessments.

The opposition criticized the Mickoski government, alleging that the administration lacks the capacity to prevent health crises and only reacts after situations escalate. Sterjova argued that the West Nile fever risk was well-known and that the government failed to implement necessary preventive monitoring and systemic interventions before the epidemic emerged.