Bar, Montenegro, 17–19 September 2025 – Policymakers, experts, and partners from across South-Eastern Europe are gathering this week in Bar, Montenegro, for the regional workshop Healthy Ageing in the SEEHN Member States and Beyond.

 The event is convened by the South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) Secretariat in fruitfull partnership with the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) and co-finaced jointly with the Central European Initiative (CEI).

The workshop focuses on the fiscal and policy implications of ageing populations, new approaches to primary and long-term care, and the creation of inclusive environments that empower older people to remain active and engaged in their communities. Using the Population Ageing financial Sustainability gap for Health systems (PASH) tool, participants are testing policy options to ensure financial sustainability and universal health coverage in the face of demographic change.

In her opening remarks, Tatiana Paduraru, Head of the SEEHN Secretariat, highlighted the spirit of collaboration that defines the meeting:

“SEEHN is committed to ensuring that ageing is not seen as a burden, but as an opportunity: to strengthen prevention across the life course, to transform our care ecosystems, to create enabling environments, and to challenge ageism in all its forms.”

The host country also stressed the urgency of action. Mirjana Vlahović-Andirjasević, SEEHN National Health Coordinator and State Secretary, Ministry of Health of Montenegro, welcomed participants by stressing Montenegro’s commitment to making ageing a central policy priority:“

Dr Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, Director of the Division of Health Systems, WHO Europe highlighted that: ““For South-Eastern Europe, ageing is a call to action. With the WHO European Strategy on Ageing is Living, we have the chance to turn demographic change into an opportunity — ensuring every added year is lived in good health, with dignity, and as part of stronger, fairer health systems.””

Dr Mina Brajovic, Head of WHO Country Office in Montenegro, reminded: „ Like many SEEHN countries, Montenegro is ageing with almost one in four citizens over the age of 60. While it brings massive impact on our communities, our economies, and our health systems, aging comes with unique opportunities for policy innovation, social solidarity, and investment in human potential across the life course necessary to ensure that no older person is left behind, and that everyone can age in good health, with dignity, and as an active participant in community life”

 The Deputy Secretary General, CEI Secretariat Ivana Pejovic emphasized the importance of partnership while driving real health impact at the population level in the SEE region.

Over three days, the agenda features keynote presentations on demographic shifts and healthy longevity, technical sessions on primary health care reform and financing, and interactive exercises for designing policy strategies.

Delegates are developing recommendations that will feed into the forthcoming WHO European Strategy Ageing is Living: Promoting a Lifetime of Health and Well-being (2026–2030), as well as aligning with the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

The workshop is building momentum for stronger cooperation across SEEHN Member States and with international partners, ensuring that the region is not only responding to the challenges of ageing but also embracing the opportunities it brings for healthier, more inclusive societies.

The South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) joins the international community in marking World Patient Safety Day 2025, under the theme “Safe care for every newborn and every child” and the slogan “Patient safety from the start!”.

This year’s focus recognizes the urgent need to protect the most vulnerable—newborns and children—from avoidable harm in healthcare. It is a call to action for governments, professionals, families, and communities to ensure that every child, from birth, receives safe, high-quality care.

Across the SEEHN Member States, notable progress has been achieved in enhancing maternal and child health outcomes over the past twenty years. Regional infant mortality rates have fallen, and survival rates for preterm infants have increased. However, disparities still exist. In certain areas, limited healthcare infrastructure, inconsistent access to specialized neonatal and pediatric services, and shortages of trained personnel continue to expose children to higher risks of harm from preventable medical errors, infections, and delays in treatment.

In parts of the region, infant mortality rates remain higher than EU averages, and neonatal mortality—although decreasing—still makes up a significant share of under-five deaths. Addressing these issues requires not only investing in facilities and technology, but also establishing strong safety protocols, training health workers, engaging families, and implementing effective monitoring systems.

“No child should suffer harm in a place of care. Safety must be integrated into every aspect of our health systems—especially for our youngest and most vulnerable patients.” “Our collective responsibility is to ensure that patient safety is not a privilege, but a guaranteed right from the very start of life.” Dr. Tatiana Păduraru, SEEHN Head of Secretariat.

On 17 September, SEEHN encourages countries to participate in awareness-raising activities, professional forums, and public engagement campaigns, as a visible reminder that safe care for children begins from their very first moments. SEEHN reaffirms its commitment to supporting Member States in developing national strategies for patient safety in paediatric and newborn care, facilitating knowledge exchange and capacity building among healthcare professionals in the region, and advocating for investments in infrastructure and safe medical technology.

Patient safety is the foundation for a healthy future. Together, we can ensure “Patient safety from the start” for every child in Southeast Europe.