Podgorica, Montenegro – 25 March 2025
The Acting Director of the South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) Secretariat, Dr. Tatiana Paduraru, met with the Director of the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro (IPH Montenegro), Dr. Snežana Barjaktarević Labović, to discuss joint efforts in tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and strengthening cancer screening programs across the region.
With NCDs accounting for approximately 95% of overall mortality in the SEE region, both parties underscored the urgent need for coordinated national and regional action. Prevention remains a cornerstone of this effort, as studies show that every dollar invested in prevention yields a sevenfold return within five to seven years. The discussion focused on identifying effective strategies to integrate prevention programs into national health systems while reinforcing regional collaboration.
Another key topic of the meeting was capacity building for Montenegro’s national team on breast and cervical cancer screening programs. The discussion explored ways to enhance expertise and best practice sharing, including a potential study visit to Slovenia, a SEEHN member state with advanced screening protocols. This initiative aims to strengthen Montenegro’s screening strategies and improve early detection and treatment outcomes.
The SEEHN Secretariat and IPH Montenegro reaffirmed their commitment to advancing regional public health priorities and fostering cross-border cooperation to improve health outcomes for all SEE citizens.
