For the purpose of showcasing the successful implementation of the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) operation for Measles Outbreak in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as identifying areas for improvement, the Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina (RCSBiH) facilitated a three-day lessons learned workshop. The workshop involved a retrospective analysis of the DREF operation's outcomes to assess challenges, strengths and areas for improvement. The goal was to enhance future humanitarian efforts and response in epidemics by applying practical experiences and feedback.

This workshop, supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Country Cluster Delegation to Central and South-Eastern Europe (CCD CSEE), brought together actors from different backgrounds:

RCSBiH: Mobile Teams coordinators and volunteers.

United Nations agencies: Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

Academic sector: Representatives of public educational institutions.

Public and private healthcare sector: Doctors and healthcare professionals directly involved in the DREF operation, as well as those who were not directly engaged.

The purpose of the lessons learned workshop was to:

The workshop utilized a number of methods. In particular:

→ Presentation of the achieved results.

→ Working groups where participants discussed challenges, explored solutions and recommended actions for future improvements.

→ A roundtable discussion with various actors aimed at exploring further actions, enhancing coordination, and developing strategies to improve future responses and strengthen collective efforts.