The South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) and the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This MoU marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration aimed at improving public health outcomes and promoting sustainable health systems in the South-Eastern European region. This partnership is rooted in a shared vision of fostering healthier communities through joint initiatives and capacity-building efforts in line with the UN Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The MoU was signed by Dr Mira Jovanovski-Dašić, Director of the SEEHN Secretariat, and Dr Milka Sokolović, Director General of EPHA. The agreement formalises a framework for cooperation between the two organisations, including organising joint events, promoting capacity-building activities, and contributing to the achievement of SDG 3—Good Health and Well-being.
Dr Jovanovski-Dašić highlighted that “this partnership is a critical step towards strengthening health systems in South-Eastern Europe and by joining forces with EPHA, we will be better equipped to address key public health challenges in the region, including promoting equitable access to healthcare, improving health resilience, and advancing health policy reforms.”
The MoU emphasises collaboration in several key areas, including:
Organising joint public health events and fostering actions aimed at achieving better health outcomes for all;
Promoting institution- and capacity-building projects related to public health, such as healthy environments, health service delivery, and digital health;
Joint contributions to the UN Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with SEEHN to drive forward our shared goals of health equity and stronger, more sustainable health systems,” said Dr Sokolović. “This partnership allows us to combine our expertise and networks to create lasting positive change in the region, improving health for everyone, especially vulnerable populations.”
This MoU will serve as a foundation for the two organisations to deepen their partnership over the next two years, with the potential for extension. The collaboration will also aim to facilitate knowledge sharing, support health system reforms, and promote the role of civil society in addressing public health challenges.
The first step to advance join efforts shall focus to strengthen Digital Health Literacy for All, in particular vulnerable populations in the South Eastern Europe.
About EPHA: The European Public Health Alliance – EPHA – is a change agent – Europe’s leading NGO alliance advocating for better health: https://epha.org/
The workshop took place in Bucharest on 29-30 August 2024, organized under the auspices of the SEEHN Secretariat, financed by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and hosted by the Order of Nurses and Midwives in Romania under the umbrella of the SEEHN Regional Health Development Center (RHDC) for Nurses and Midwives.
The Sub-Regional Workshop first objective was the strengthening of reporting on National Health Workforce Accounts, planned for publication in April 2025. The second objective was to harness this unique opportunity to build a network of dedicated focal points in the South Eastern Europe region.
The event was addressed by the Romanian Minister of Health, Prof. Alexandru Rafila, the Head of the WHO Country Office, Dr. Caroline Clarinval, the Director of SEEHN, Dr. Mira Dasic and the President of Order of Nurses and Midwives, Mr. Mircea Timofte.
There were more than 40 participants, out of which 35 in person and 8 online, from all 9 SEEHN member states, together with the SEEHN Secretariat, representatives of the partner-state Slovenia, and of the host organization.
On the first day of the workshop, WHO experts provided participants with detailed information on data registries and data-driven policies, focusing on the indicators included in the second edition of the State of Nurses Global report. During the second day, the participants discussed the challenges specific to each country and proposed concrete actions to improve existing capacities.
Among the identified commonalities across SEEHN countries, there are:
• Challenges in standardizing health worker definitions
• Recognition of the need for a select number of indicators to be routinely monitored
• Data flow issues between local authorities, the national level, and across governmental institutions
• Development of health workforce registries in some countries, with others recognizing the need to establish them
• The need for an enabling environment for digital transformation
• The importance of stakeholder involvement and coordination mechanisms in health workforce data and evidence
• The need for capacity building and training in data utilization and health workforce planning.
On the second day, Director of SEEHN Dr. Mira Dasic presented the initiatives and objectives of the network, as well as the operational status of the SEEHN RHDC for Nurses and Midwives. The President of the Order of Nurses and Midwives in Romania (ONM) Mr. Mircea Timofte emphasized the contributions of the organization at the national and regional level, followed by a detailed presentation by the Director of International Relations Ms. Roxana Hainagiu and the presentation of the visual identity proposals for the Center made by the ONM expert Mr. Dragoș Iordache.
In conclusion, the President of ONM Mr. Timofte informed about the official launch of the SEEHN Regional Health Development Center, scheduled for October 23, 2024.
Conclusions and the Future of Collaborations
The efforts of these two days will significantly contribute to improving the accuracy of health workforce data in SEEHN member states and will be reflected in the second edition of the Global State of Nursing report.
ONM as the host of the new SEEHN Regional Development Center for Nurses and Midwives in Romania remains committed to the development of a sub-regional strategy dedicated to the nurse and midwife professions, together with its regional and international partners.
SEEHN Secretariat thanks WHO and ONM for their continued collaboration and support, reaffirming its commitment to support and promote the development of nurses and midwives in the South Eastern Europe region.
Finally, this event was another opportunity to exchange and explore further regional needs and opportunities to build cross-country and cross-regional initiatives that SEEHN together with WHO shall support in future.
The South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) successfully organized its annual 47th Plenary Meeting, bringing together high-level representatives from member states, Ministries of Health, Directors of the Regional Health Development Centers, diplomatic corps and international partners.
The central theme of the 47th SEEHN Plenary Meeting held on 20-21 June in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina was “Strengthening Community Health Services”. The event aimed at providing a platform for robust discussions, sharing of best practices, and formulating strategies to strengthen community health services in the SEE region.
During the dedicated sessions, representatives shared their experiences and achievements in promoting community health services while addressing the challenges and potential solutions to their particular contexts.
At the same time, experts from various fields, including primary health care, epidemiologists, mental health experts, Ministry of health representatives delivered insightful presentations, underscoring the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation and active involvement of all segments of society to promote universal health coverage with people centered approach.
Participants underlined the significance of collaboration among governments, healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to address, promote and implement better community health services.
Discussions centered on developing and implementing effective health communication strategies to reach out to communities and individuals to empower and promote healthy choices. Experts emphasized the need for clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive messaging tailored to different population segments and the utilization of digital platforms to increase health literacy.
SEEHN Plenary Meeting also forward-looked at the strategic governance and future objectives for the Southeastern Europe Health Network. Key highlights included the signing of the Belgrade Pledge, strategic planning for the next four years, and the presentation of the SEEHN Presidency Report and SEEHN Road Map.
The meeting outlined the strategic priorities of SEEHN for the upcoming four-year period that would support member states and partners to effectively align their efforts and resources.
During the closed session dedicated to Member States representatives, a new Executive Committee for the next two years was elected. The member states represented at the new ExCOM are ALB, BIH, ISR, MDA, and ROM.
At the meeting, for the first time, the award, “Dr Alexandre Berlin”, was given to the Federal Assistant Minister of Health, Dr. Goran Cerkez, for his outstanding contribution and commitment to regional cooperation in health in South-Eastern Europe over the past 20 years.
The SEEHN Plenary Meeting concluded with a collective commitment to implement the strategies and recommendations formulated during the event. The meeting witnessed unprecedented engagement and dedication from all participants, highlighting their commitment to safeguarding public health and strengthening health systems in the SEEHN region.
SEEHN is pleased to congratulate Dr. Paolo Lauriola, highly experienced in Public health, TAIEX expert, SEEHN collaborator and friend on the election as EPHA President of the Management Board 2024. We wish EPHA and Dr Lauriola success in their future endeavors.
The Ministry of Health; the National Agency of Public Health of the Republic of Moldova and the SEEHN are proud to welcome colleagues from across the SEE region to the highly anticipated meeting focused on the Medical Licensing and Registration System of Health Practitioners.
This event will provide valuable insights on the Legal Framework and Related Experiences in the healthcare sector and will serve as a platform for participants to share best practices, discuss challenges, and foster collaboration in the field of health regulation.
“We are thrilled to host this important gathering and to provide a forum for meaningful discussions on improving our healthcare systems,” said a Dr Nicolae Jelamschi, Director of the National Agency of Public Health.
The meeting will feature expert speakers, panel discussions, and interactive sessions aimed at promoting knowledge exchange and networking opportunities among attendees. Key topics to be addressed include advancements in medical licensing, registration processes for health practitioners, and the importance of a robust legal framework in healthcare.
Dr Mira Jovanovski Dasic, Director of the SEEHN Secretariat highlighted that “one of the most significant challenges faced by SEEHN Member States is the brain drain of healthcare professionals, driven by the migration of talent to Western Europe in search of better opportunities. This exacerbates existing issues such as workforce shortages, disparities in healthcare access, and the need for continuous professional development. While other challenges include improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to services, addressing brain drain is critical. It requires strategic efforts to enhance working conditions, provide competitive incentives, and invest in the professional growth of healthcare workers to retain talent within the region.”
For more information and updates about the Regional Meeting on Medical Licensing and Registration System of Health Practitioners, please follow SEEHN social media channels.
Joint Statement On behalf of the South Eastern Europe Health Network At the 77TH Session of the World Health Assembly within the plenary discussion session
[1] DR. ALEN ŠERANIĆ, HEAD OF DELEGATION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, MINISTER OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA
Your Excellences, Director-General, Regional-Director, [Mister or Madam] President, Honourable ministers, Ladies and gentlemen,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the nine Member States of the South Eastern Europe Health Network, who have associated themselves with this statement: Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the State of Israel, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia, Romania and the Republic of Serbia.
As Bosnia and Herzegovina finalizes its one year SEEHN Presidency, it proudly shares several significant achievements. Our primary focus has been on advancing universal health coverage and fostering people-centred health systems.
We strongly believe that strong regional strategic efforts are required in advancing the WHO global and regional agenda to achieve the SDGs 2030 targets and close the health outcomes’ gap between the SEE region and the European Union. In this context, the SEEHN in partnership with Slovenia organized a High-Level Meeting on Strengthening Healthcare Systems in Southeast Europe. The main outcomes of the meeting were enhanced resilience and preparedness of healthcare systems for future shocks and crises, spotted innovative solutions to address persistent health workforce shortages, and strengthened trust among various healthcare stakeholders.
Additionally, Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency keyefforts included promoting mental health reforms, particularly in developing community mental health services, as well as those in post-conflict settings. We have also prioritized the mental health and well-being of the healthcare workforce, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Over the last two decades, the SEE Health Network, through Bosnia and Herzegovina, has championed mental health advancements, particularly in community settings. Leading experts from the SEE region have visited and extensively discussed the world-renowned Trieste mental health model. This initiative was a collaborative effort involving the SEEHN Secretariat, the Central European Initiative, and the WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Mental Health, Trieste, Italy. It provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange experiences, learn about challenges, and compare the progress and policies shaping mental health services in the SEE region with the successful Trieste model.
In this respect, it is noteworthy that our actions and documents align closely with the WHO Global Strategic Directions for Nursing, Midwifery, and the corresponding European region roadmap. The South Eastern Europe Health Network is committed to optimizing healthcare workforce performance and investing strategically in this sector. In line with this commitment, we are pleased to announce a significant development: commencing in October this year, Romania will officially host the Regional Health Development Center for Nursing and Midwifery, under SEEHN’s auspices. This center will also host the ICN meeting in Bucharest, advancing our regional agenda. At the same time, we express gratitude to the WHO Collaborative Center for Leadership and Governance in Nursing, hosted by Israel, for active support and contribution to strengthen the capacity of the nursing aimed at improved quality of care in the SEE region.
Furthermore, just a week ago, SEEHN Member States convened in Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina to advance nursing leadership and discuss strategies to secure the future of the healthcare workforce and the provision of high-quality care. This meeting focused on addressing nursing and midwifery challenges and planning the next steps.
The past year has been marked by actions focused on data quality improvement and control, non-communicable diseases population-based registries; improvement and promotion of patients’ rights; pandemic preparedness, influenza surveillance, and immunization.
On this occasion, I would like to express our true gratitude to the World Health Organization and in particular to its European Regional Office and the Regional Director, Dr Hans Kluge for his steady support to the SEEHN.
Also, our sincere appreciation to the WHO Director General Dr TedrosAdhanom Ghebreyesus for the support to the SEE Region, in advancing health equity and health systems resilience in this turbulent world.
#SEEHN Secretariat Director Dr Mira Jovanovski Dasic had again the pleasure to meet, after two years, with Director of the Primary Health Care Centre Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr Nevena Todorovic.
They discussed the outcome of the thematic meeting dedicated to the SECURE FUTURE OF THE HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE AND THE PROVISION OF HIGH-QUALITY HEALTH CARE: NURSING AND MIDWIFERY CHALLENGES AND NEXT STEPS that took place on the 22 and 23 May and the forthcoming Symposium „Prevention is the foundation for health” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U-W9yKA1uk 24 and 25 May.
The importance of the #PHC strengthening, the reform #regional cooperation, the role of SEEHN and the forthcoming # SEEHN activities and expected results were also tackled.
The South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) joins the global community to celebrate the European Immunization Week (EIW) 2024, highlighting the critical importance of vaccination in protecting public health.
As the European region celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), SEEHN recognizes the essential step made in protecting populations from vaccine-preventable diseases over the past half century.
The European Immunization Week serves as an important reminder of the life-saving impact of immunization and the need to achieve high and equitable vaccination coverage in all communities.
Guided by EPI principles, SEEHN reaffirms its commitment to support Member States and regional efforts in implementing robust immunization programs and ensuring access to vaccines for all.
Given the ongoing challenges of misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, SEEHN emphasizes the importance of combating misinformation and promoting accurate, science-based information about vaccines.
Through collaborative efforts with government bodies, health professionals and community stakeholders, SEEHN calls for sustained partnerships to combat misinformation and build confidence in vaccination as a cornerstone of public health.
SEEHN recognizes the invaluable role in promoting vaccination and looks forward to engaging with partners to promote a culture of vaccine acceptance and uptake.
As the global community celebrates World Health Day on April 7, the South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) reaffirms its solidarity with worldwide endeavours to ensure universal healthcare access.
World Health Day marks the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO) and serves as a symbol to raise awareness about pressing health issues and mobilize action to tackle them.
This year’s focus is on advocating for the right to health as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of health services for everyone, everywhere.
Under the slogan of “My Health, My Right; Make the Right to Health a Reality for All,” SEEHN underscores its dedication to advancing health equity and upholding the fundamental right to health for individuals throughout the region. These words encapsulate the essence of our mission: ensuring that every person, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the highest standard of health care.
Today, amid multifaceted global challenges, from pandemics to environmental crises, realizing this fundamental right assumes even greater significance. We are confronted with the stark reality where health inequalities persist, where millions suffer needlessly due to lack of access to essential services. We must recognize our shared responsibility in addressing these disparities and strive towards creating a future where health is truly a universal human right.
Realizing the right to health requires concerted efforts across all sectors and levels of society. Investments in health must be viewed as investments in our collective well-being, and adequate funding must be allocated to expand primary healthcare services.
Healthcare workers play a crucial role in realizing the right to health, embodying principles of person-centred care and inclusivity. By dispelling myths and prejudices and addressing the specific needs of vulnerable populations, they serve as compassion and empathy in our healthcare systems.
Individuals also have a pivotal role in advocating for health as a priority, asserting their rights to access quality care and making informed choices that promote their well-being. By adopting healthier lifestyles and advocating for sustainable practices, we can build healthier communities and a brighter future for future generations.
On World Health Day, SEEHN calls upon governments, policymakers, healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and individuals across the South Eastern Europe region to unite to advance the right to health and achieve universal health coverage. By prioritizing health equity, investing in robust health systems, and fostering collaboration, we can support a healthier, more resilient future for all.
As the global community observes World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24, 2024, attention is once again focused towards combating this persistent threat, a global health emergency claiming the lives of over 1.4 million individuals each year.
Under the theme “Yes! We can end TB” World Tuberculosis Day serves as a unifying call to action against one of world’s deadliest diseases. Despite progress in the fight against TB, recent years have witnessed a concerning rise in drug-resistant strains, posing new challenges to global health efforts.
Worldwide, TB is the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19 (above HIV and AIDS). In 2022, an estimated 10.6 million people fell ill with tuberculosis (TB) worldwide, including 5.8 million men, 3.5 million women and 1.3 million children. TB is present in all countries and age groups. The highest MDR rates are found in countries of Eastern Europe and central Asia, where MDR strains threaten to become as common as pan-susceptible strains. In some countries, MDR strains account for up to 20% of new TB cases and well over 50% of patients with a history of previous TB treatment. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) remains a public health crisis and a health security threat. Only about 2 in 5 people with drug resistant TB accessed treatment in 2022. Ending the TB epidemic by 2030 is among the health targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
While Europe generally experiences a low incidence of TB, the South Eastern European Health Network (SEEHN) remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting member states in South Eastern Europe, where TB rates remain notably high. In some areas, the prevalence of drug-resistant strains adds further complexity to the situation.
World TB Day serves as an important reminder that sustained, collaborative, and multi-sectoral efforts are imperative to eradicate TB. SEEHN reaffirms its dedication to working hand in hand with member states and partners to comprehensively address TB, with the ultimate aim of curbing the escalation in TB incidence and creating a region free from the burden of tuberculosis.
As part of World TB Day initiatives, SEEHN urges active participation from its member states in various endeavors aimed at raising awareness, advocating for increased investment, and mobilizing support for TB prevention, treatment, and care. While prevention remains paramount, SEEHN also advocates for heightened investment in research and treatment, while expressing solidarity with those impacted by the disease.
These initiatives are directed towards fortifying health systems, enhancing access to quality services, and tackling the social determinants of health contributing to TB transmission.
SKOPJE – The Transport Community Permanent Secretariat (TCT Secretariat), together with the European Commission, organises the TAIEX (Technical Assistance and Information Exchange) Regional Workshop on 112 and e-Call, on 21 and 22 February in Skopje, North Macedonia. This workshop fosters closer integration of emergency and communication services in the Western Balkans six and Observing Participants view to further integration with the European Union transport market and build up of the common regional market.
In alignment with the decisions of the Regional Steering Committee, the Commission’s services offered full support of advancing the implementation of the unique emergency number, 112, in the Western Balkans. This initiative builds upon previous projects in Montenegro and Albania, focusing on enhancing preparedness for accidents involving transport of dangerous goods.
The workshop aims to facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration, particularly with firefighters and emergency responders, emphasising the importance of cooperation across different administrative levels.
112 and e-Call systems play a key role in expediting emergency response not only in transport-related incidents but also in natural disasters and criminal activities, thereby constituting a vital investment in public safety.
The TCT Secretariat extends its sincere appreciation to the experts from EU Member States and international organisations for sharing their insights at this workshop. Dr. Fotios Fitsilis from the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Juha Suominen from the Emergency Response Agency 112 in Finland, Mr. Rafał Matuszkiewicz from the Fire University in Poland, and Andrej Fink from the University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia, will offer their expertise on various aspects of emergency response.
Acknowledging the significance of international cooperation, we are grateful for the contributions of Dr. Mira Jovanovski Dašić from the South Eastern Europe Health Network and Ms. Cristina Lumbreras from the European Emergency Number Association.
We express heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Adrienn Kiraly, Director of Directorate Neighbourhood East and Institution Building, European Commission, and Mr. David Geer, Ambassador representing the Delegation of the European Union to North Macedonia, for their support.
With this TAIEX Regional Workshop on 112 and e-Call, we aspire to delineate a comprehensive “to-do list” at the TCT level and for each Regional Partner and Observing Participant, fostering a safer future for all.
Accessibility of 112 services, alike those in the EU, should be within reach for citizens of the Western Balkans, too. We extend our gratitude to all 100 experts from the Regional Partners, Observing Participants, and EU Member States for their dedication to this cause, as well as our colleagues from North Macedonia for their invaluable assistance in organising this event.
An interview with Dr Mira Jovanovski Dasic, Head of the South-eastern Europe Health Network(SEEHN)Secretariat
What role can EU health policies play in strengthening the ties between countries in the SEE and the EU?
EU health policies can play a multifaceted role in strengthening the ties between South-Eastern European (SEE) countries and the European Union (EU).
Firstly, these policies can establish a framework for harmonising healthcare standards and regulations across SEE countries, bringing them into closer alignment with EU standards. This not only improves the quality and safety of healthcare services but also facilitates cross-border healthcare access for citizens.
Secondly, EU health policies can act as a catalyst for knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices. Initiatives such as collaborative research projects and information sharing enable SEE countries to gain insights from the experiences of EU Member States in healthcare management, disease prevention, and public health strategies. This exchange of knowledge can lead to more effective healthcare systems and policies in SEE. We are actively fostering this collaboration with Romania and Bulgaria, both members of the SEEHN. These countries, along with others, aspire to join the EU family in near future.
Thirdly, EU health policies for the SEE region often prioritise health security and preparedness for public health emergencies. Collaborative efforts on issues such as pandemic preparedness, vaccine distribution, and healthcare infrastructure development empower SEE countries to strengthen their collective response to health crises. This collaboration not only enhances healthcare resilience but also fosters a sense of solidarity and mutual support among countries in the region.
In summary, EU health policies offer SEE countries a framework to align their healthcare systems with EU standards, promote knowledge exchange and best practices, and enhance collective health security. These efforts can foster closer ties between SEE countries and the EU, promoting regional integration and cooperation across healthcare and beyond.
Why is a network such as the SEEHN important in supporting countries to improve the health and resilience of their populations?
The SEEHN plays a crucial role in supporting Member States to improve the health and resilience of their populations in several ways:
Knowledge exchange and sharing best practices: The SEEHN provides a platform for member countries to share their experiences, successes, and challenges in areas such as mental health and vaccine inequalities. This exchange of knowledge allows Member States to learn from each other’s strategies and best practices, accelerating the adoption of effective health promotion and disease prevention measures.
Resource mobilisation: The SEEHN can facilitate the pooling of resources, expertise, and funding opportunities. This collaborative approach can help member countries access resources they might not have individually, enabling them to implement more comprehensive and sustainable health programmes.
Advocacy and policy development: The SEEHN often engages in collective advocacy efforts to promote policies and initiatives that address common health issues. This united front enables Member States to influence regional and international bodies for improved policies and resources in health promotion and disease prevention.
Technical assistance and capacity building: The SEEHN offers technical assistance and capacity-building programmes, assisting member countries to strengthen their healthcare systems, workforce, and infrastructure. This support is essential for implementing effective health promotion and prevention strategies.
Data sharing and monitoring: The SEEHN facilitates data sharing and joint monitoring of health indicators, enabling Member States to track progress, identify disparities, and continuously adjust strategies to improve health outcomes.
Crisis preparedness and response: The SEEHN enhances collective resilience by coordinating preparedness and response efforts during health crises, including pandemics.
Cross-border collaboration: In the context of the SEEHN, which includes countries in SEE, cross-border collaboration is particularly important. The SEEHN fosters regional cooperation, vital for addressing health challenges that transcend national borders, such as infectious diseases and environmental health issues.
In conclusion, networks like the SEEHN play a vital role in supporting countries to improve the health and resilience of their populations by facilitating knowledge exchange, resource mobilisation, advocacy, technical assistance, and data sharing. Beyond addressing health challenges, the SEEHN serves as a peacebuilding platform at heart, promoting cross-country collaborations in a region still recovering from past conflicts.
Could you give an example of a project or programme supported or promoted by the SEEHN or one of your members that has advanced mental health and/or vaccine uptake in the population?
The SEEHN has set up a Regional Health Development Centre (RHDC) on mental health, hosted by Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mental health is a top priority for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the current rotating presidency of the network.
In response to mental health challenges during the pandemic, the SEEHN implemented the “Mental Health and Resilience Training for Healthcare Workers responding to COVID-19 in SEE Region”, funded by Project HOPE. Approximately 8000 healthcare workers were trained on stress, trauma, and resilience concepts, providing a regional emergency response to combat healthcare worker burnout.
Additionally, the SEEHN conducted a study “Rapid Mapping Out of the Current Situation in the Area of Mental Health in the SEE Region 2000-2022: Towards Better Mental Health and Well-Being”. The study revealed:
SEE countries are home to almost 70 million people.
They face multifaceted challenges, including demographic decline, economic disparities, reliance on limited financing sources, and gaps in mental healthcare provision.
Developments over the past 20 years have focused on community-based practices, accreditation, standardisation of legislation and practices, and greater involvement of service users.
Future efforts should prioritise investments in capacity building, ensure quality assurance and monitoring, improve routine data collection, and harmonise legislation with international standards.
In the short-term, the SEEHN has also developed flyers for healthcare workers translated into Albanian, Macedonian, and English.
Regarding vaccine uptake, through our RHDC on Communicable Diseases, hosted by Albania, the SEEHN, has worked to enhance vaccination rates and improve accessibility and availability of vaccines for the SEEHN Member States markets. During the COVID-19 period, the SEEHN Secretariat, in collaboration with our RHDC, conducted webinars to promote vaccination and improve vaccination rates. Moreover, the SEEHN, Project HOPE, and the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies at the Watson Institute of Brown University, organised the COVID-19 vaccine-training programme for frontline responders in 2021. The training gathered over 150 frontline workers from the SEEHN Member States, providing a platform to discuss the latest science behind different, concerns and answers, vaccine rollout communications, prioritisation systems, and country specific guidelines. The training was expanded to reach over 1200 participants in the respective SEEHN Member States.
If you had unlimited funding to address one priority of your network, what would you choose to invest in and why?
One important area that could significantly benefit from increased funding is human capital, specifically in capacity building and the healthcare infrastructure to support it. This would involve investing in health workforce, strengthening it through training, recruitment, and retention of healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, technicians, and other essential staff. Adequate staffing is critical for providing quality care and addressing shortages in healthcare.
Interview conducted by Anne-Sophie Travert, Global Health Policy Advisor, French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Lina Papartyte, Project Coordinator, EuroHealthNet, at the European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG) 2023.
WESTERN BALKANS – 11 February marks European 112 Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the European emergency number 112 and recognising the crucial work of emergency services personnel across Europe. As we commemorate this important day, the Transport Community Permanent Secretariat joins institutions, communities, and organisations across the continent in highlighting the significance of prompt and efficient emergency response.
Whether it is medical emergencies, accidents, natural disasters, or any other unforeseen event requiring immediate attention, 112 ensures that help is just a phone call away. The emergency services personnel’s commitment and resilience in the face of adversity are truly commendable, and we extend our deepest gratitude for their invaluable service.
In addition to recognising the efforts of emergency responders, European 112 Day serves as a reminder to the public about the importance of knowing and utilising the 112 number responsibly.
Mental health is a significant concern at the European level. While there are funding opportunities, there are also persistent inequalities between countries. How can these disparities be tackled? Mental health is indeed a pressing public health concern in Europe. Despite promising funding opportunities, we must recognize disparities among regions and countries. To tackle these issues, a collective and strategic approach is essential. First and foremost, we must acknowledge and understand the unique challenges faced by each area. More than a one-size fit all, a tailored approach is required. We must dwelve into the root causes, ranging from cultural to economic factors. Collaboration is key. European countries must share best practices, resources and expertise. By establishing a network of collaboration, we can leverage each nation’s strengths to uplift those facing greater challenges. This sense of solidarity will promote collective responsibility for the mental well-being of all European citizens. Moreover, targeted funding mechanisms are crucial. We must design grants, subsidies, and incentives tailored explicitly to regions and populations experiencing the most significant mental health disparities. Lastly, we must address stigma through robust educational campaigns. Promoting awareness and understanding will create an environment where seeking help is accepted and encouraged.
Moving on to South-Eastern Europe, what are the characteristics of the mental health systems in this region, and how can their needs be addressed? The South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) is a political and institutional forum set up by the governments of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Moldova, Romania, Serbia and North Macedonia to promote peace, reconciliation and health in the region. In 2011, Israel became the 9th member state of the Network. The Network covers a region with a population of nearly 60 million in 2020. Excluding Israel, these countries witnessed a significant demographic decline of 6.3 million people (11.1%) from 2000 to 2020. The economic context is characterized by disparities between GDP growth and declining populations, suggesting complex factors like migration and an ageing population. This economic context is crucial as mental health is closely linked to socioeconomic conditions. Mental health in the region faces challenges such as a higher stigma of mental illness, lack of systematic implementation of mental health policies, and non-transparent decision-making on resource allocation. SEEHN conducted a comprehensive study from 2000 to 2020 to address these needs. The results revealed disparities in mental health policies, quality assurance, financing, and workforce across SEE countries. While progress has been made, there’s room for improvement. For example, our analysis found that mental health policies and legislation exist in most countries, but there are opportunities for enhancement, particularly concerning national suicide prevention programs. Future efforts should focus on capacity building, quality assurance, harmonizing legislation with international standards, and fostering inter-sectoral cooperation. These strategies are crucial for effectively addressing the mental health needs of the populations in these countries.
What would be the essential principles of a European Strategy for mental health? The recent initiative launched by the Commission of the European Union serves as an excellent example from which we can derive a sub-regional tailored strategy. This initiative prioritizes mental health equally with physical health through 20 flagship initiatives and EU funding of 1.23 billion EUR. The guiding principles are adequate and effective prevention, access to high-quality and affordable mental health care, and reintegration into society after recovery. Adequate and effective prevention involves promoting good mental health through comprehensive initiatives such as a European initiative to prevent depression and suicide, a European Code for Mental Health, and the strengthening of brain health research. Access to high-quality and affordable mental health care requires significant investment in training and capacity-building, ensuring mental health is integrated into all policies, and improving access to treatment and care. Reintegration into society after recovery involves protecting vulnerable groups, especially children and young people, and leading by example internationally by raising awareness and providing quality mental health support in humanitarian emergencies. This comprehensive approach addresses mental health in all policies to recognize multiple risk factors affecting mental health. Concrete actions will cover a wide range of guidelines and include efforts to promote good mental health, invest in training and capacity-building, ensure good mental health in the workplace, protect children and young people, address vulnerable groups, and lead by example internationally in mental health support during humanitarian emergencies.
AWARENESS AND EDUCATION
How could civil society be involved in preventing, combating, and managing mental health problems? Civil society plays a crucial role in creating a supportive environment to address mental health challenges. Through awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and advocacy, civil society can contribute significantly to breaking the stigma associated with mental health issues. Civil society organizations can collaborate with healthcare professionals and policymakers to create accessible and inclusive mental health services. Promoting mental health literacy, providing resources for early intervention, and establishing support networks empower individuals and communities to address mental health challenges proactively. Civil society’s engagement in policy advocacy ensures mental health remains a priority on the public agenda. By actively participating in developing and implementing mental health policies, civil society organizations can contribute valuable perspectives that consider the needs and concerns of diverse communities. Additionally, fostering partnerships between civil society organizations and health professionals can lead to innovative community-based programs that address mental health challenges at the grassroots level.
Are there examples of national good practices that could be translated to the South-Eastern European region? For more than 20 years the South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) has been a key player in the mental health development in the region. Instruments like the Dubrovnik Pledge focused on strengthening social cohesion and mental health. The SEE ministries of health committed their governments to reform the old psychiatric hospital system as an essential component of their overall health system reform process. New community mental health centres were established to help people with mental health problems live better lives. A dedicated Regional Health Center for mental health was also established in Bosnia and Herzegovina to accelerate change in the region. A critical mass of experts is now playing a crucial driving role in the mental health field and reform process.
The South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) Member States and partner countries representatives gathered in Trieste to gain a first-hand experience in developing community mental health services and occupational health through integration practices.
In her opening address Dr Dasic director of the SEEHN Secretariat highlighted that the SEEHN Secretariat has been working very hard in the past year to be able to deliver as many activities as possible beneficial to its member states. One of them was to arrange a study visit on mental health to Trieste for mental health experts from South Eastern Europe. .
Under the leadership of Dr Dasic, the SEEHN Secretariat organized this study visit, as the Trieste model is acknowledged academically in the world. It was a multi-stakeholder partnership between the SEEHN Secretariat, the Central European Initiative, and the Secretariat of WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Mental Health, Trieste, Italy.
The mental health experts engaged into vivid discussions about the challenges, progress, and policies that shape mental health services in the SEE region versus the Trieste history and progress up to today’s success.
The specific objective of this project was to strengthen the capacities of the experts and decision-making level in SEEHN Member States by acknowledging the best practices in community mental healthcare and by drawing applicable models to the specific SEE Region in the local and community prospective.
As the mental health is a vital aspect of our overall well-being, the South Eastern Europe Health Network remains committed to supporting countries in this transformative process. Bosnia and Herzegovina, regionally being the champion for the last two decades in the mental health reforms, remains devoted to lead it while holding the SEEHN Presidency.
The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) has just published the results of a survey conducted in 2022 among states who are members of both the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) and the Council of Europe. The main objective of this initiative was to assess the implementation of pharmaceutical care (PC) in daily practice, with special attention to the process and services described in Council of Europe Resolution CM/Res (2020) 3 on the implementation of pharmaceutical care for the benefit of patients and health services.
To summarise the results, awareness and implementation of PC and related services varies significantly in the region. Shortcomings are frequently due to the absence of regulations or healthcare policies, the lack of data on the proven benefit of PC, the lack of computerised systems and/or IT tools, and the lack of access to patient medical records. A full analysis of the results can be found in the survey report (link below). Wider dissemination of the resolution and broad promotion of the PC concept are needed in SEEHN member states.
Pharmaceutical care is a quality concept and a working method for health professionals involved in prescribing, dispensing and administering medicines. In short, it is the responsible provision of medicine therapy for the purpose of achieving definite outcomes that improve a patient’s quality of life. It involves a process of direct co-operation between pharmacists, other healthcare professionals and the patient to design, implement and monitor a therapeutic plan intended to achieve those outcomes by addressing the medication needs of patients in a comprehensive manner and using a patient-centred approach. Implementation of PC in the SEEHN member states will allow this approach to strengthen healthcare systems through more efficient interprofessional collaboration, leading to a more rational use of medicines and better health outcomes.
South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) Member States (ALB, BIH, ISR, BLG, MNE, MKD, MDA, ROU, SRB) in partnership with Ministry of Health of Slovenia, representatives of the Institute of Public Health, partner organizations as WHO Regional Office for Europe, CEI, OECD, European Commission, the Council of Europe, convened at a high level meeting, on 4 and 5 December 2023, in Brdo Congress Centre, Slovenia. The meeting is co-organized by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia and the SEEHN, along with the National Institute of Public Health and the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
Health is a principal and widespread value in every society as well as a fundamental human right. As such, it must be safeguarded with particular attention and caution. Health systems are in the forefront to implement this task. Almost all healthcare systems are facing challenges related to the post pandemic period, climate changes – marked with catastrophic natural disasters worldwide and with the megatrend of the aging of the population.
The main objective of the high-level meeting is to present and discuss:
strengthening the healthcare systems within SEE and beyond, for more resilience and better preparedness for possible future shocks and crisis,
solutions for persistent health workforce shortages,
establishing or strengthening trust among the various stakeholders in our healthcare systems.
The participants at the event will additionally discuss the potential of digitalization in healthcare, the questions related to the uninterrupted access to medicines, as well as, issues concerning medicine supply chains, where the lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic will be shared.
Over 50 participants’ health professionals from South East Europe Health Network (SEEHN) Member States, guests and EU experts, convened at a specialized workshop to compare, standardize, and enhance health data monitoring systems. The Multi-Country TAIEX Workshop on NCDs’ population based registries in the SEEHN Member States (Western Balkans and beyond), is organized during 29-30 November 2023, in Podgorica, Montenegro. The event aims to foster discussions on methodology, data quality control, and the establishment of registries. Participants will delve into the challenges and successes of SEEHN Member States both individually and as a regional network. EC is supporting the SEEHN Member States (ALB, BIH, MNE, MKD, MDA, SRB) along with guests form Kosovo* and Turkiye through the TAIEX Multi Country Workshop on NCDs’ population based registries, prepared in collaboration with IPH MNE and the SEEHN RHDC on NCDs hosted by Montenegro. Key themes of the workshop include the presentation of the current health data monitoring landscape in SEEHN Member States, sharing best practices from leading EU countries in developing and upgrading monitoring systems, particularly in the area of non-communicable diseases’ population-based registries. The agenda will also feature activities geared towards harmonizing monitoring systems across SEEHN Member States, aligning them with EU standards and fostering cohesion among the states. The workshop is anticipated to serve as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, collaborative problem-solving, and the advancement of health data monitoring practices within the SEEHN region.
SEEHN Secretariat jointly with the SEEHN RHDC on Accreditation and Continuous Quality Improvement of Health Care (ACQIHC) organized the Round table on “Patients’ Rights – Tool for Long-Term Improvements on Safety and Quality in the Health Systems in the SEEHN Member States”. The event is taking place, today, 23 November in Belgrade. The event was addressed by Dr Mira Dasic, SEEHN Secretariat Director, Dr Danijela Urosevic, Assistant Minister, MoH SRB, SEEHN NHC, member of the ExCom, Mr Vladimir Arsenovic, Director of the Agency for Accreditation of HealthCare Institutions of Serbia (also Director of RHDC ACQIHC), the WHO representative in Serbia and Special Envoy of the Regional Director for the Western Balkans Dr Fabio Scano and Dr Maja Vuckovic-Krcmar, Programme Officer, Delegation of the European Union to Serbia. The main goal of the round table is to discuss multi-lateral interventions aimed to increase the highest possible quality of care in the SEE region. Another aspect is to learn the EU countries invaluable experiences in the realm of Patient Rights, particularly in cross-border healthcare. These two objectives are especially relevant to the focus and mandate of SEEHN facilitating inter-country and regional cooperation beyond borders. Every country faces challenges in implementing Patient Rights. This round table, featuring representatives from each SEEHN member state, presents a unique opportunity for an in-depth examination of Patient Rights implementation practices. It provides a platform for sharing experiences among participating countries, where each nation can acknowledge its strengths and weaknesses in relation to Patient Rights.
For the last two decades, the Southeast European (SEE) Member States have been working together on pandemic preparedness, influenza surveillance, and immunization. These efforts are led by SECID SEEHN RHDC on communicable diseases surveillance and control.
This Regional Influenza Vaccination Meeting was the third in a row. It was held in Belgrade, on 23-24 October 25, 2023. Its aim was to discuss programs implementation, identify the COVID-19 pandemic impact on influenza vaccination, challenges, possible solutions, recommendations.
Previous meetings back in 2017, and 2019, were focused on operational issues related to the implementation of seasonal influenza vaccination programs, to improve the current strategies, and to overcome challenges by looking into opportunities to ensure affordable prices by improving the process for procuring vaccines and cross-border cooperation.
The Meeting gathered participants from the SEEHN Member States and beyond, joined by representatives of the Task Force for Global Health, US CDC, WHO Europe, Balkan hub, the WHO office in Belgrade and RCC.
The main outcomes of the two days’ discussions are expected to:
▪ identify strategies to foster short-term influenza and COVID-19 vaccine program improvement and increase uptake especially among key target risk groups.
▪ Identify strategies for integration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccination and other immunization or program platforms following a whole life-course approach.
▪ Exchange country experiences and identify country and cross border actions to address possible gaps and challenges related to improve the access to influenza and COVID-19 or other epidemic or pandemic vaccines timely and with affordable prices and also to explore the possibilities for joint vaccine procurement in the SEE Region.
Finally, the Regional Influenza Vaccination Meeting proved the importance of joint work, harnessing regional particularities to strive for higher standards that will affect the livelihoods in the South Eastern Europe.
SEEHN Secretariat jointly with the SEEHN RHDC on Accreditation and Continuous Quality Improvement of Health Care (ACQIHC) organized the Round table on “Patients’ Rights – Tool for Long-Term Improvements on Safety and Quality in the Health Systems in the SEEHN Member States”. The event is taking place, today, 23 November in Belgrade.
