SEEHN Secretariat Seat 9th anniversary

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Today, the SEE Health Network Secretariat is celebrating the 9th anniversary of the official opening of the new Seat in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia.

                On March 7, 2013, the impressive inaugural event was held under the auspices of the Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia and in the presence of the WHO Regional Director, as well as distinguished members of the Member States, partners, and diplomatic corps.     

               SEEHN appreciation and respect will always go to the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia for its continued support of the Host Agreement, which was essential for the swift operationalization of the Seat. Recognition also goes to our partners for closely promoting an excellent pathway to an outstanding regional public health cooperation in the Southeast Europe region.

World Obesity Day

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With more than 800 people worldwide affected by obesity and millions more at risk, World Obesity Day is an opportunity to raise awareness and enhance the call for cross-cutting policies to address the burden of this life-altering disease.

Moreover, the associated comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, as well as stigma, the risk of a psychiatric diagnosis, especially among the pediatric population, reflect the reality of a complex condition with extremely serious social and psychological dimensions. Sadly, the Covid-19 pandemic with the lockdown is  likely to have contributed to the further growth in obesity, undermining the wellbeing of our citizens and placing huge strains on our societies.

There is a clear case for immediate and unwavering action to curb the projections of this silent pandemic that continue to increase its pace, and evidence of the gains through reducing the risk factors have built up over time. Adopting a balanced lifestyle and a healthy diet has a significant contribution to reducing the risk of obesity. Individual action is important and each of us must act to protect our health.

However, individual responsibility is not enough, it must be doubled by the action of the authorities to educate citizens to make healthier choices. Prioritizing the prevention and health literacy of our populations remains crucial to generating healthy behaviors and reducing preventable mortality.

With both the adoption of specific targets in its strategic documents  and operational plans as well as within the projects developed over the years, the SEEHN has consistently advocated for a comprehensive multi-stakeholder policy, including both communication and awareness-raising but also broader fiscal and regulatory measures to effectively tackle obesity.

SEE Health Network has started its efforts back in 2020. SEEHN organized a Round Table with the SEEHN RHDC on NCDs from Montenegro on the “Reduction of Childhood Malnutrition and Control of Marketing of Unhealthy Food and Beverages Impact”, held on 25 February 2020, Podgorica, Montenegro. The Round table was the launching activity with overall objective to reduce childhood malnutrition by focusing especially on obesity and to enable healthy lifestyle choices from the early age among children.

Improving the information on nutrients displayed on food labels, regulating the marketing of food are examples of policies that have emerged in recent years. But there is so much to do. In addition, for that, we need strong commitment, inspiring leadership, cross-sectoral collaboration, and cooperation efforts, capacity building, and coordination of synergies at national, regional and global level.

Strengthening response to current mental health needs in SEEHN Member States

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Dr. Mira Dasic, the Director of SEEHN Secretariat and Secretariat staff met on 22 February 2022, in Skopje Prof. Stojan Bajraktarov, Medical Director at Psychiatry Clinic, Medical Faculty, University “St. Cyril and Methodius”.

The discussions focused around two main activities in the mental health area. Dr Dasic started with an overview of the ongoing activities and events related to mental health. Also explained the role of the SEEHN Secretariat and emphasized its importance as the main engine for providing administrative and technical support to the Network’s activities, in particular to the current projects.

Both parties informed on the progress achieved within the mental health project “Mental Health and Resilience Training for healthcare workers responding to COVID-19 in SEE Region”, implemented by SEEHN Secretariat, funded by Project Hope and Center for Disaster Philanthropy; and on the SEEHN “Comparative analysis study on the mental health services in the SEEHN Member States”.  

The interlocutors agreed on the next steps roadmap to be implemented within both projects. Additionally, the parties touched upon the sustainability of the initiated actions and concluded that there is space for closer cooperation by following the opportunities for strengthening and building further mental health resilience in the South Eastern Europe Region.