Chișinău, Republic of Moldova – 13 August 2026

The Director of the South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) Secretariat, Dr Tatiana Păduraru, held a meeting on 13 August 2026 with Dr Alexandru Gasnaș, Minister of Health of the Republic of Moldova, to discuss Moldova’s continued engagement in SEEHN and opportunities to further strengthen regional cooperation in health.

The meeting was also attended by Dr Svetlana Nicolaescu, Deputy State Secretary General of the Ministry of Health and SEEHN National Health Coordinator (NHC), as well as a co-opted member of the SEEHN Executive Committee. Her involvement is crucial to ensure the institutional bridge between the Ministry and SEEHN, and institutional memory and expertise while she has already served as Moldova’s SEEHN NHC and as Chair of the SEEHN Executive Committee.

The discussions focused on the strategic role of SEEHN as a platform for intergovernmental cooperation, policy dialogue and exchange of experience among the countries of South-Eastern Europe. Particular attention was given to ensuring the continued active engagement of the Republic of Moldova in the Network and to further strengthening the link between SEEHN’s regional agenda and national health priorities.

Dr Păduraru presented the current priorities and ongoing work of the SEEHN Secretariat, including the development of the Network’s next strategic framework- the Bucharest Pledge and the Action Plan, strengthening the role and visibility of the Regional Health Development Centres (RHDCs), health workforce development, digital health, emergency preparedness, noncommunicable diseases, mental health, healthy ageing and other areas of shared regional importance.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the role of SEEHN in facilitating peer learning and policy exchange between Member States, including through technical initiatives, regional projects, high-level policy dialogue and the annual SEEHN Plenary Meeting, which brings together political and technical representatives of the Network’s Member States.

Dr Păduraru highlighted the importance of Moldova’s active contribution to SEEHN’s work and welcomed the opportunity to further engage the Ministry of Health in shaping the Network’s future priorities.

Minister Gasnaș reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation and the value of SEEHN as a platform for sharing experience, strengthening institutional capacities and promoting coordinated approaches to common health challenges.

As SEEHN enters a new phase with the start of the Romanian Presidency on 1 July 2026, the meeting also provided an opportunity to look ahead to the Network’s priorities and activities for the coming period.

The SEEHN Secretariat looks forward to continuing its close cooperation with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova and to supporting Moldova’s active participation in the Network’s governance, technical initiatives and regional policy dialogue.

Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia, 18 June 2026

Representatives of the Member States of the South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) concluded today in Skopje the First Regional Consultation Workshop on developing the Bucharest Pledge and the SEEHN Strategic Action Plan 2027–2032.

Convened after the 49th SEEHN Plenary Meeting, the workshop was part of the Network’s strategic consultation process to define priorities and directions for regional health cooperation for 2027–2032.

Participants engaged in a strategic dialogue to refine the proposed pillars of the Bucharest Pledge, identify priority areas for joint action, and discuss practical mechanisms to strengthen cooperation among Member States.

The consultations highlighted a strong consensus that the future SEEHN agenda must continue to address both longstanding and emerging health challenges and position health as a strategic investment in societal resilience, economic development, and regional stability.

The workshop also explored how SEEHN can further strengthen its role as a platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and joint action, building on twenty-five years of regional partnership and trust.

The recommendations from the consultation process will directly inform the drafting of the SEEHN Bucharest Pledge and the Strategic Action Plan 2027–2032, which are expected to guide regional cooperation during the next programming cycle.

The consultation process will continue over the coming months through additional technical work and stakeholder engagement, with the aim of presenting the final draft documents for consideration and endorsement by SEEHN Member States.

As SEEHN marks its twenty-fifth anniversary, the consultation process reflects the continued commitment of Member States to strengthening regional cooperation, promoting shared priorities and advancing collective action in support of health and well-being across South-Eastern Europe.

Speaking at the conclusion of the workshop, participants reaffirmed their commitment to a shared vision of stronger, more resilient, and people-centered health systems across South-Eastern Europe, underscoring that regional solidarity remains one of the most effective tools for addressing common challenges and advancing better health outcomes for all citizens.