The South Eastern European Health Network (SEEHN) and its Regional Health Development Centre (RHDC) for Nursing and Midwifery proudly join the global community in celebrating both the International Day of the Midwife (5 May) and International Nurses Day (12 May).

These celebrations are dedicated to recognising the vital role of midwives and nurses, who stand at the core of healthcare systems — supporting individuals from the very first moments of life and throughout their health journey. Across South Eastern Europe and around the world, nurses and midwives deliver essential, life-saving care every day, exemplifying professionalism, compassion, and resilience.

While midwives ensure safe beginnings, guiding mothers and newborns through critical early moments, nurses continue that continuum of care across all settings — from homes and communities to clinics and hospitals. Together, they are indispensable to achieving universal health coverage and building healthier, stronger societies.

SEEHN and RHDC emphasize that investing in nurses and midwives means investing in a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future. Ensuring access to quality education, fair working conditions, leadership pathways, and adequate resources is essential to empower these professions and secure long-term health system development across the region.

On 12 May, we also mark the symbolic launch of the second edition of the State of the World’s Nursing (SOWN) Report — a key resource offering an updated global overview of the nursing workforce. The report highlights achievements to date, while clearly outlining the critical actions still required. SEEHN urges policymakers and stakeholders to leverage this evidence-based tool in shaping effective strategies and investments in nursing.

Nurses and midwives are the foundation of healthcare. Supporting them is essential to delivering quality care, advancing health equity, and ensuring healthier futures for all. SEEHN and its RHDC on nursing and midwifery call upon governments, partners, and communities to move beyond recognition — towards concrete actions that strengthen and sustain both the nursing and midwifery professions.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to all nurses and midwives — Happy International Day! Thank you for your unwavering commitment and invaluable contribution.

Source : https://healthservicediscounts.com/blog/international-nurses-day-2025/

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.