Mar 5, 2025 | News
March 4, 2025 | Skopje, North Macedonia
As we mark World Obesity Day 2025, SEEHN is raising awareness of the growing obesity crisis and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to tackle it.
Under the global theme, Changing Systems Healthier Lives, the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) highlights that obesity isn’t just about personal choices—it’s a complex public health issue that requires action at multiple levels, from policy and education to healthcare and food systems. By 2025, obesity rates are expected to reach 18% in men and exceed 21% in women worldwide. Unfortunately, most countries have less than a 10% chance of meeting the World Health Assembly’s target to stop obesity from rising. As such, obesity is likely to become a leading cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, and certain cancers.
For individuals, carrying excess weight means an increased risk of disability, more frequent hospital visits, and complex healthcare needs. On a national scale, obesity-related illnesses are driving up healthcare costs, with some Eastern European countries spending up sgnificant shares of their total healthcare budget on obesity-related conditions. If we don’t act now, obesity will continue to put immense strain on healthcare systems and shorten lives.
Considering the rising trends across South-eastern Europe, the Network is urging its Members, health professionals, and communities to act now by launching various strategic initiatives focused on prevention, education, and better healthcare services.
Policy interventions may include:
● Promoting healthier food environments and encouraging active lifestyles.
● Running campaigns to inspire healthier eating habits, increase physical activity, and cut down on sedentary behavior.
● Encouraging responsible food labeling, reducing junk food marketing to children, and increasing access to affordable, nutritious food.
● Ensuring health professionals have the resources to offer better obesity prevention, treatment, and management.
● Investing in research to track obesity trends and shape effective, evidence-based policies.
On World Obesity Day 2025, SEEHN calls on authorities, civil society, and individuals to take collective action against this rising burden. We stand committed to making lasting change and building a healthier future for South-eastern Europe.
Feb 7, 2025 | News
Tirana, Albania – 04.02.2025 – The South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Albania held a high-level meeting to strengthen Albania’s role in regional health collaboration. The discussions, led by Deputy Minister Mr. Niko Hyka, with Dr Tatiana Paduraru, Acting Head, SEEHN Secretariat, focused on deepening cooperation on:
- Enhancing Regional Cooperation in Public Health
- Setting Strategic Health Priorities for the Future
- Ensuring Sustainable Funding and Resource Mobilization
- Strengthening Governance and Albania’s Role in SEEHN
- Reinforcing Commitment to Regional Health Agreements (signing the Belgrade Pledge)
During the meeting, SEEHN representatives commended Albania’s active participation in the network and acknowledged the contributions of key public health experts, including former National Health Coordinator (NHC) Ms Mejvis Kola, NHC Mr Niko Hyka, NHC Alternate Ms Alida Mici, RHDC on Communicable Diseases Director Prof. Dr. Silvia Bino, and Ms Ledia Agolli.
A significant focus of the dialogue was on ensuring the financial sustainability of SEEHN. Both sides explored mechanisms to strengthen Albania’s financial engagement, while also identifying alternative funding opportunities through EU health programs and strategic partnerships.
Albania’s representation in SEEHN’s Executive Committee was also a key point of discussion, emphasizing the importance of strong governance and regional health diplomacy. SEEHN reiterated its commitment to supporting Albania’s leadership in advancing shared health goals: especially advancing digital health, join procurement opportunities.
Additionally, discussions addressed Albania’s signing of the Belgrade Pledge, a commitment to reinforcing regional cooperation in public health. SEEHN representatives welcomed Albania’s consideration of this important step, which would further solidify its role in shaping the network’s future initiatives.
“Albania has been a valued and active member of SEEHN, and its leadership is crucial to the success of regional health efforts,” said Dr Paduraru, SEEHN Representative. “Today’s discussions reaffirm our shared commitment to strengthening public health systems, ensuring financial sustainability, and advancing key health priorities for the region.”- concluded Mr Niko Hyka, Deputy Minister of Health of Albania.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to enhancing Albania’s engagement in SEEHN’s governance, financing, and strategic initiatives, paving the way for a more resilient and cooperative regional health landscape.
Feb 4, 2025 | News
[4 February 2025] – On this World Cancer Day, the South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) reaffirms its commitment to supporting cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and support services across the region.
SEEHN strongly endorses the new global theme, “United by Unique” (2025-2027), as it highlights the power of individual stories and the importance of personalized, people-centered cancer care.
Cancer remains a significant public health challenge in South-Eastern Europe, where disparities in access to timely diagnosis and high-quality treatment persist. Greater efforts are needed across the region and beyond to close the care gap and ensure equitable access to life-saving cancer care, particularly by:
- Expanding early detection and screening initiatives, especially in underserved communities.
- Improving cancer care infrastructure to guarantee access to advanced treatments and supportive services.
- Strengthening the cancer workforce by equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills and resources for high-quality, patient-centered care.
- Promoting cancer prevention strategies, including tobacco control measures, vaccination programs, and public awareness campaigns.
SEEHN remains committed to actively collaborating with national health authorities, regional stakeholders, and international partners to reduce the cancer burden and improve survival rates across the region.
At the same time, real progress comes from listening to and empowering patients, ensuring that their voices shape the policies and services designed to support them. As part of World Cancer Day 2025, SEEHN encourages governments, healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and communities to unite in a collective effort to make cancer care more inclusive, personalized, and effective.
