EPA-UNEPSA JOINS AND STRONGLY SUPPORTS THE IPA STATEMENT ON SAFETY AND HEALTH OF CHILDREN LIVING IN UKRAINE


IPA Statement on Safety and Health of Children Living in Ukraine The International Pediatric Association (IPA) is deeply concerned for the safety and health condition of all children who are suffering and affected due to the war between Ukraine and Russia. We also very concerned for the children for now refugees in neighboring countries. Children are often the innocent victims during armed conflicts. In alignment with the IPA constitution and on behalf of all children, we call on all international communities to take the necessary measures in support of the safety and well-being of children affected by the war in Ukraine. Exposure to war and violent acts adversely affects the life trajectory of children far more than adults. Apart from the potential for loss of live, physical injury and disability, disruption of their daily lives, schooling, parental and family support could lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues. Poor nutrition, insufficient water safety, poor sanitation, loss of housing, limited access to healthcare, increased risk of communicable diseases, with population movement all contribute to impact war have on children. As pediatricians, we are committed to the health and well-being of children from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. By ensuring these rights, only then we can protect children and secure their future. Today in Ukraine, a child may lose his or her live, become injured or disabled, loose a parent or a family member, learning opportunity at school, time to live as a child and play with friends. Their lives will not be the same when the war ends and they will carry the scars of the distress they endured for the rest of their lives. This letter serves as the official position statement and we invite the international community to make every effort for the war to end as soon as possible, in the interest of protecting children's safety, wellbeing, education, and health in Ukraine. We should all strive for fair, equal, and dignified treatment of children. We should protect the rights of children to be protected from harm throughout the fighting, and their safety must be a priority under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). In addition, humanitarian supplies including food and medical supplies to the families and children should be ensured as generous and efficient. These actions are imperative to prevent the detrimental effects of war on psychological and physical health over children.

EPA-UNEPSA joins IPA in: working for Every Child, Every Age, Everywhere
Prof. Enver Hasanoğlu President , Prof. Aman Pulungan IPA Executive Director
Massimo Pettoello-Mantovani, President EPA-UNEPSA (IPA Member Society)

Professor Emeritus David Branski

Prof. Emeritus David Branski

Professor David Branski was the former Secretary General of the European Paediatric Association, the Union of National European Paediatric Societies and Associations (EPA-UNEPSA) from 2002-2009 and former Director of the Pediatric Division at Hadassah, Israel.

The field of Paediatrics has suffered a great loss when Professor David Branski passed away a few weeks ago. Professor Branski devoted much of his time and energy in progressing the scientific knowledge in the field of Paediatrics, and in improving public health services for children in Europe, particularly during the years in which he held the position of Secretary General of EPA-UNEPSA.

Professor Branski was born in Tel Aviv in 1944. He completed his medical education at the Hebrew University – Hadassah Medical School, specialising in paediatrics. He later completed his residency in Bikur Holim Hospital in Jerusalem. Professor Branski went on to complete a subspecialty residency in pediatric gastroenterology in the Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, New York, USA. Returning to Israel, Professor Branski worked at Bikur Holim Hospital, serving as interim director of the Paediatric Ward, and as director of the Nutrition and Gastroenterological Department in the Pediatric Ward.

In 1991, Professor Branski moved to Shaarei Tzedek Hospital as director of the paediatric department, where under his direction, the department grew and expanded its expertise by opening additional paediatric subspecialty sections. He was appointed as the director of the Paediatric Division at Hadassah in 2002, a role he filled until his retirement in 2010. Under his leadership, the Hadassah’s Paediatric Division further developed its reputation as one of the leading centers in paediatric medicine both in Israel and abroad.

Professor Branski was a strong advocate for children and a respected leader in the field of paediatrics. Professor Branski was also a member and consultant for a number of scientific national and International organisations and committees, as well as a member of several governmental committees. From 1999-2004 he was appointed as chairman of the Israel Pediatric Association. He was an active member of The Scientific Council of the Israel Medical Association and acted as chairman of the pediatric exam committee.

Professor Branski was active in academia beginning in 1975 with his appointment as chief resident of paediatrics and in 1996, he became a professor in the field of paediatrics. He was a key figure in the ESPHGAN conferences over the years and secretary-general of the European Pediatric Association, the Union of National European Paediatric Societies and Associations (EPA-UNEPSA)a role he filled from 2003-2009.

Professor Branski was author of a large number of medical and scientific studies, articles, chapters and books in the field of paediatrics and paediatric gastroenterology. Recently, he had been appointed as chief editor of one of the leading journals in the field,, the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition.

Professor Branski was known for his warm personality and dedication to his patients and their families and was lauded for his professionalism, dedication and kindness. EPA-UNEPSA mourns the loss of Professor David Branski, a beloved and respected colleague and friend.