Researchers around the world are working to find a vaccine against the coronavirus. dr. Almasa Hadžiahmetović Bass, who is a native of Donji Vakuf, is an expert in drug development in the United States of America. In an interview with dobarportal.net, this doctor of pharmaceutical sciences pointed out that her childhood was very happy and stable until the collapse of the former Yugoslavia in 1992. "I grew up with a lot of parental love and care, and I was always surrounded by numerous family, relatives, as well as friends from various ethnic groups. We played a lot outside and were very active. At that time I knew that my primary education was very solid, and I learned about many things that I now see that children of the same age in the West unfortunately do not learn until high school. I carry wonderful memories from my childhood in my heart," recalls Dr. Almasa Hadžiahmetović Bass. He adds that he visits his parents with his son every year. "I strive to learn and educate myself more deeply about the richness of our culture. There is so much history in the area of Donji Vakuf itself, and I can see that as a people we are very full of life and resistant to many hardships that we have lived through the centuries. We should be proud of it and support each other," says our interlocutor. She points out that science has always interested her, especially in the composition of health, medicine, and medicines. "I remember as a little girl when I was sick and my mother gave me antibiotics. Then I wondered what it was in these pills that would make me well. In high school, I oscillated between deciding to pursue higher education in chemistry or pharmacy, and I decided on pharmacy. I graduated from the University of Toledo in the state of Ohio and later obtained a doctorate in pharmacy from Ohio State University. Before doing postgraduate work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and entering the biopharmaceutical sector, I worked as a pharmacist in a hospital," says Dr. Almasa Hadžiahmetović Bass. He is optimistic about the process of finding a vaccine against the coronavirus. "I think the question is not whether we will have a vaccine but when we will have a vaccine that is safe and effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The distribution chain and availability to many countries where it will be needed are very important. The vaccine should be available and affordable to precisely those people who are in the epicenter and those in greatest need. This is also the key to reducing the spread of the disease. To date, we have over 40 vaccines in development that utilize different anti-infection mechanism platforms. A dozen of those vaccines have reached the last and third phase of clinical studies, where they are tested in thousands of people, where it should be shown that the disease can be prevented," according to this drug development expert. She also answered the question of whether the vaccine is a scientific or a geopolitical issue. "Unfortunately, everything is politicized these days, even the COVID-19 vaccine, even though science and healthcare have a selfless goal at their core. While vaccines are still in development, channel infrastructures for equitable global distribution of the vaccine should be developed in parallel as soon as it is approved on the market by national health institutions and proven to be safe and effective. By the way, we know that developed countries that have a higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) have a higher vaccination average than underdeveloped countries. Unfortunately, during a pandemic, vaccines and medicines should not be available only to those countries with the deepest pockets," emphasized Dr. Almasa Hadžiahmetović Bass. This recognized scientist also touched on the current projects she is working on. "The current project I'm working on is the development of a new drug for epilepsy for children and adults related to different geographic markets. Before that, I was part of the clinical and medical strategies for various drugs of the cardiovascular system, infectious diseases of anti-dangerous resistant bacteria, the neurological-analgesic system, and pain medications," said our interlocutor. Dr. Almasa Hadžiahmetović Bass is one of the founders of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian-American Academy of Arts and Sciences (BHAAAS), whose mission is to promote and develop art and science in Bosnia and Herzegovina. diaspora in the United States and Canada. "Our goal is to connect Bosnia and Herzegovina with scientists, artists, and individuals prominent in their professional fields, as well as to build bridges of cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina. About 200 of our members are doctors of science and researchers, artists, and professionals from Bosnia and Herzegovina," emphasizes this distinguished scientist. He adds that one of the hallmark events of the Academy is the annual conference called "Days of BHAAAS in Bosnia and Herzegovina," which is held each time at a different location in Bosnia and Herzegovina. "The aim of the conference is to bring together scientists and experts from Bosnia and Herzegovina. diaspora with colleagues from Bosnia and Herzegovina. BHAAAS brings top experts to this conference, even some lecturers who do not have BH. origin. The "Days of BHAAAS in Bosnia and Herzegovina" offer them the opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise with colleagues and students in their home country. The conference format encourages interaction between participants and promotes networking and collaboration. Numerous sessions will be held in Mostar in June 2021," Dr. Almasa Hadžiahmetović Bass said. She also spoke about the initiative with the Future Foundation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHFF), which has so far recorded excellent results in empowering young people through education, technology, and leadership. "The specific idea is to create a 'Futures Makerspace' space in the Donji Vakuf, where students and young people are given access to modern technological equipment as well as knowledge in the fields of science, technology, and business. The main goal is to turn your own ideas to solve specific problems or to turn ideas into a business with the condition of helping the local community. People who are co-integrated in this success are the founder and director of the foundation, Prof. . Ph.D. Eddie Čustović, Vernisa Rejhan-Ićindić, Almedin Beganović, and local employers and school institutions of the Sadonjovakuf area. Also, the goal is to apply the experience from the 'Futures Makerspace' in Tuzla and Srebrenica for wider collective success," says our interlocutor. He believes that hard work is the secret of every success and that everyone should have a vision and look forward and not compare themselves to others. "I think our young people have the same potential as many of their peers in Europe, the USA, and Asia, and they should be supported. Strive to be a productive member of the community in which you live and to model the behavior you want to see in your system. Titles and letters of the alphabet behind the name should not be a validation that a person can be productive, successful, and contribute to the family and community. Hold on to your values and integrity, and let that be your compass for the future. I would also emphasize the importance of mentoring and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who think differently to expand your mental horizon even though you may not agree with the arguments of the other side," said Dr. Almasa Hadžiahmetović Bass.
(https://dobarportal.net/)
English
Bosanski
