Dr. Tatiana Păduraru, Head of the Secretariat of the South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN), met with Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, on the sidelines of the 75th Regional Committee (RC75) meeting held in Copenhagen on 31 October 2025.

The two leaders reaffirmed the enduring partnership between SEEHN and WHO/Europe and discussed ways further to strengthen both technical and political collaboration across South-Eastern Europe.

They underscored the strong alignment between SEEHN’s mandate and the WHO European Programme of Work, particularly in key priority areas such as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), digital health, health workforce development, aging, health financing, and strengthening primary health care.

Recent joint efforts—most notably the nursing leadership side event organized during the Seventy-Eighth World Health Assembly—were highlighted as clear examples of the shared commitment to improving health systems resilience and leadership across the region.

A key focus of the meeting was ongoing collaboration on the Western Balkans Roadmap. WHO/Europe recognized SEEHN’s valuable input in the evaluation process and encouraged its active role in shaping the technical direction of the upcoming Roadmap. Both sides expressed their goal of securing strong political endorsement from all relevant stakeholders. SEEHN reaffirmed its readiness to contribute to designing a practical, results-oriented framework and to support implementation through actionable, evidence-based approaches in partnership with WHO/Europe.

Against the backdrop of a complex geopolitical environment, the discussion highlighted the crucial role of health as a unifying platform for dialogue, stability, and solidarity. SEEHN’s leadership during its Israel Presidency was recognized as a notable example of effective health diplomacy in practice. Both sides emphasized the continued importance of coordinated diplomatic efforts to safeguard and advance public health priorities across the region.

The meeting also explored opportunities for joint resource mobilization and global fundraising. The participants emphasized the potential of leveraging SEEHN’s convening power and WHO’s technical and operational expertise to develop joint initiatives for regional programmes.

Dr. Păduraru underscored the importance of investing in human capital and committed leadership to accelerate progress and expressed deep appreciation for WHO/Europe’s ongoing support and collaboration.

Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing a strong, equitable, and sustainable health agenda for all populations across South-Eastern Europe.

The South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) reaffirmed its strong commitment to advancing health innovation during the 75th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC75), held in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Dr. Tatiana Păduraru, Head of the SEEHN Secretariat, delivered a statement on Agenda Item 9 – A Strategy on Harnessing Innovation for Public Health in the WHO European Region 2025–2030, expressing SEEHN’s full support for WHO/Europe’s forward-looking framework.

In her speech, Dr. Păduraru emphasized that innovation is crucial for remaining relevant and resilient in today’s rapidly evolving health landscape. For South-Eastern Europe, innovation provides transformative opportunities to bridge resource gaps, solve workforce challenges, and strengthen health systems.

She emphasized that SEEHN has already started this journey through initiatives promoting digital transformation, human capital development, and equitable access to health innovations. These efforts closely align with the five pillars of the WHO/Europe Innovation Strategy and demonstrate SEEHN’s ongoing efforts to build a collaborative innovation space across the region.

Dr. Păduraru emphasized SEEHN’s willingness to collaborate with WHO/Europe as a regional implementation partner, ensuring that innovation results in concrete improvements in health outcomes.

“Innovation is not an abstract concept—it is the practical means by which we make health systems more inclusive, adaptive, and effective. SEEHN is committed to turning innovative ideas into real progress for all countries of South-Eastern Europe,”
said Dr. Tatiana Păduraru.

The intervention concluded with a reaffirmation of SEEHN’s commitment to fostering partnerships, equity-driven innovation, and regional solidarity in pursuit of a healthier and more resilient European Region.

The South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN), under Israel’s Presidency, participated actively in the 75th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC75), held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from October 28 to 31, 2025.

Throughout the session, speaking on behalf of the SEEHN Member States — Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Israel, the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia — the Israeli Presidency highlighted the network’s dedication to building resilient health systems rooted in solidarity, innovation, and collaboration.

During the general debate, SEEHN reiterated its strong support for the Second European Programme of Work 2026–2030 (EPW2) and its focus on health security, climate change, noncommunicable diseases, and ageing, all underpinned by digital transformation and innovation. The statement emphasized SEEHN’s regional progress in emergency preparedness, health workforce strengthening, and healthy ageing, while reaffirming solidarity and cooperation as guiding principles for the region.

In the discussions on Aging and Well-being, SEEHN emphasized the results of the regional Healthy Aging Workshop held in Montenegro in September 2025, highlighting the importance of evidence-based policy, equity, and regional cooperation as key drivers for an aging population.

Under the agenda item on Child and Adolescent Health and Well-being, SEEHN praised WHO/Europe and UNICEF for their joint strategy and reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing maternal, newborn, and adolescent health through stronger systems, digital innovation, and cross-border cooperation.

The SEEHN Presidency’s actions reflected the Network’s vision of shared regional progress, demonstrating how Member States turn global and European strategies into tangible efforts through collaboration, innovation, and solidarity.

SEEHN expressed gratitude to WHO/Europe and Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, Regional Director for Europe, for their continued partnership and leadership in supporting regional health priorities.

Photo: WHO/Europe – Source: https://www.who.int/europe/about-us/governance/regional-committee/75th-session-of-the-who-regional-committee-for-europe

Ohrid, North Macedonia – October 2025

The South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) was represented at the 21st National Symposium of the Macedonian Association of Nurses and Midwives, held in Ohrid under the theme “Nursing and Midwifery – Challenges and Opportunities for the Future”, organized by the Macedonian Association of Nurses and Midwives (ZMSTAM).

Ms. Roxana Hainagiu, CEO of the SEEHN Regional Health Development Centre (RHDC) on Nursing and Midwifery, hosted by the Order of Nurses, Midwives and Medical Assistants of Romania, delivered a video recorded presentation titled “Advancing the Regional Nursing and Midwifery Agenda for Empowered Leadership” .

In her address, Ms. Hainagiu conveyed the greetings and messages of Dr. Tatiana Păduraru, SEEHN Head of Secretariat, and Mr. Mircea Timofte, President of the RHDC on Nursing and Midwifery and President of the Romanian Order of Nurses, Midwives and Medical Assistants. Both leaders commended the dedication of the Macedonian nursing and midwifery community to advancing professional leadership, governance, and education, emphasizing that “nurses and midwives are the backbone of every health system, and investing in their leadership means investing in resilient and equitable health systems.”

Highlighting the RHDC’s milestones since its establishment in 2023, Ms. Hainagiu presented ongoing regional initiatives on workforce data, leadership development, and evidence-based policy, carried out in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the SEEHN Secretariat.

Her intervention reaffirmed SEEHN’s continued commitment to strengthening nursing and midwifery across South-Eastern Europe, fostering regional cooperation, and contributing to the global agenda for health workforce sustainability.

10 October 2025
On this World Mental Health Day, the South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) reaffirms its commitment to strengthening mental health systems across South-Eastern Europe — especially in times of crisis and emergency.
When communities face conflict, displacement, natural disasters, or pandemics, access to mental health care is often disrupted — yet these are precisely the moments when it is needed most.
Strong, connected communities are not only the first line of support in such situations — they are also the foundation of recovery, resilience, and hope.
In 2025, the global theme reminds us that mental health thrives in connection, compassion, and community.
By investing in people and in systems that keep communities together, we help ensure that no one is left behind, even in the most challenging times.
🌐SEEHN’s Commitment:
Together, with our Member States, partners, and international organizations, SEEHN through the Regional Health Development Center on Mental Health, hosted by Bosnia and Herzegovina, continues to:
– Promote community-based mental health services that bring care closer to people.
– Support national efforts to strengthen resilient mental health systems.
– Prioritize the mental health and wellbeing of the health workforce, who are at the heart of every community’s response.
– In humanitarian and emergency settings, advocate for mental health as an essential part of preparedness, response, and recovery.
– Foster cross-sector cooperation among health, education, and social services.
– Challenge stigma through awareness, dialogue, and education.
– Build peer networks and local partnerships that empower communities to care and connect.
The SEEHN remains dedicated to its continued efforts to maintain mental health high on the policy makers agenda.

📸 Photo by UN and WHO

The South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) and the European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG) continued their fruitful partnership in 2025 by supporting the participation of SEEHN representatives in the EHFG Annual Conference under the theme “Rethinking Solidarity in Health: Healing Europe’s Fractured Social Contract.”

Participation of Ms. Lejla Krvavac, Coordinator of the SEEHN Regional Health Development Centre on Mental Health, Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Mr. Radu Plamadeala, Head of the Department for Public Policy Coordination and European Integration, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova, was made possible through funding from the SEEHN Secretariat and the support of the EHFG.

Prior to the conference, both participants took part in the sixth edition of the EHFG 2025 Capacity-Building Initiative for Policymakers, a 1.5-day pre-conference workshop on “Global Health Diplomacy.” The training explored the intersection between global health and foreign policy, offering participants hands-on experience through simulated multilateral negotiations.

This joint initiative reinforces SEEHN’s commitment to fostering cross-border cooperation, strengthening health diplomacy capacities, and promoting active engagement of South-Eastern European policymakers in shaping Europe’s health agenda.

Skopje, North Macedonia – 2 October 2025
The South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) actively contributed to the Annual Forum of the Regional Alliance for Cervical Cancer Prevention in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, held in Skopje from 30 September to 2 October 2025.

Dr. Tatiana Paduraru, Director of the SEEHN Secretariat, delivered a keynote intervention during Session 1 on Universal Health Coverage to Accelerate Progress in Cervical Cancer Prevention. She emphasized that while cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, it remains a leading cause of mortality among women in South-Eastern Europe due to gaps in HPV vaccination, screening, and access to treatment.

Dr. Paduraru underlined SEEHN’s role as the only intergovernmental regional platform dedicated to health cooperation across nine Member States, with more than 23 years of collective action. She highlighted the contributions of SEEHN’s Regional Health Development Centers (RHDCs) — including the RHDC on Sexual and Reproductive Health in Romania, RHDC on Communicable Diseases in Albania and the RHDC on Non-Communicable Diseases in Montenegro — in advancing prevention, policy advocacy, and capacity building.

Key messages from SEEHN’s intervention included:

• The need to strengthen HPV vaccination coverage through school-based and community programs.
• Expanding organized screening, supported by interoperable digital registries.
• Ensuring equitable access to diagnostics and treatment, especially in rural and underserved areas.
• Leveraging EU and international partnerships for sustainable financing.
• Building trust through awareness and addressing stigma around sexual and reproductive health.

“Cervical cancer is preventable, yet too many women in South-Eastern Europe are still dying from it. This is unacceptable. Together, we can make elimination not only a vision but a regional reality,” said Dr. Paduraru.

The Forum, convened by UNFPA in partnership with WHO/Europe and regional stakeholders, served as a platform to align strategies, reinforcing commitments to universal health coverage and gender equity.

Skopje, 26 September 2025 – Dr. Tatiana Paduraru, Director of the South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) Secretariat, held a meeting with Ms. Alexandra Kelleher, Senior Program Manager for Europe and Middle East Emergency Response, and Ms. Katerina Takovska, Regional Director for Europe and MENA, Managing Director of Direct Relief GmbH.

Dr. Paduraru presented an overview of the SEE Health Network’s current state of affairs and outlined upcoming priorities under the Israeli Presidency. These priorities include strengthening health system resilience through improved emergency preparedness and response, advancing digital health solutions, empowering health professionals, and addressing the health financing gap associated with ageing populations.

Discussions focused on potential avenues for collaboration, such as rapid support in emergencies, cross-border supply chain readiness, rehabilitation and mental health initiatives, and energy resilience for health facilities. Discussions also focused on potential support to the neighboring countries to the Ukrainian conflict and who host refugees for more comprehensive support

Both parties emphasized the importance of reinforcing cooperation and committed to further exploring opportunities for joint action to advance public health initiatives of regional relevance.

On 17 September in Podgorica, Dr. Tatiana Paduraru, Director of the SEEHN Secretariat, met with Dr. Mirjana Vlahović-Andirjasević, SEEHN National Health Coordinator and State Secretary at the Ministry of Health of Montenegro.

Dr. Paduraru provided an overview of the current state of the SEE Health Network and upcoming priorities under the Presidency of Israel, focusing on strengthening health system resilience through better emergency preparedness, advancing digital health solutions, empowering health professionals, and addressing the health financing gap linked to ageing populations. She also underlined the Secretariat’s vital role as the main engine of administrative and technical support for SEEHN activities.

The discussion placed particular emphasis on the role of SEEHN’s Regional Health Development Centers (RHDCs) as the primary vehicles for technical expertise, with special attention to the RHDC on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) hosted by the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro.

Dr. Vlahović-Andirjasević expressed appreciation for the close cooperation with the Secretariat and highlighted the importance of the RHDCs, both in the past and for the future. She suggested exploring new joint activities, particularly in cancer screening across SEEHN Member States, while reaffirming Montenegro’s commitment to supporting the RHDC on NCDs.

Both sides agreed on the importance of strengthening collaboration and exploring further opportunities to enhance the Network’s work and other public health initiatives of regional relevance.

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.

Chisinau, 7 August 2025 – A high-level bilateral meeting was held today between Dr. Tatiana Paduraru, Director of the South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) Secretariat, and Dr. Ala Nemerenco, Minister of Health of the Republic of Moldova, marking an important milestone in advancing regional health cooperation.

The discussions centred on Moldova’s upcoming Presidency of SEEHN, set to begin next year, following the current Israeli Presidency. The key strategic priorities to be pursued outlined her vision focusing on:

– Strengthening human resources in health, with special emphasis on the health workforce—recruitment, retention, and professional development.

– Upgrading infrastructure through hospital endowment and modernization to ensure equitable access to quality health services.

– Enhancing the quality of care across the SEEHN member states through evidence-based standards and continuous improvement.

Both parties also commended Moldova’s leading role in tobacco cessation policies and programmes, reaffirming the country’s commitment to spearheading regional efforts in reducing tobacco consumption and its health impact.

An important point on the agenda was the development of a regional initiative to advance knowledge and expertise on EU negotiations and implementation in the health sector. This initiative aims to provide SEEHN countries with targeted capacity-building, knowledge exchange, and best practices to align more effectively with EU health standards and policies.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen multilateral action, foster solidarity among SEEHN members, and work towards better health outcomes for the populations of South-East Europe.

📍Bucharest – July 30, 2025 –  A high-level bilateral meeting took place yesterday between the Minister of Health of Romania, Dr Alexandru-Florin Rogobete, and Dr Tatiana Paduraru, Head of the SEEHN Secretariat. The purpose of the meeting was to deepen collaboration on key healthcare priorities and to explore new opportunities for joint initiatives in public health, medical innovation, and health workforce development.
Discussions covered a broad range of topics, including:

– Strengthening emergency preparedness and response capacities, – Promoting health equity and reducing regional disparities,
– Advancing digital health and data interoperability initiatives,
– Supporting workforce training and medical education exchanges.

Both sides reiterated their shared commitment to building resilient health systems and improving population health outcomes. In particular, the Romanian Ministry of Health presented updates on national reforms aligned with EU health strategies, while counterparts highlighted support frameworks for cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral contexts.

The meeting concluded with agreements on strategic role of Romania shall play within the SEEHN in the next five years and potential hosting the next SEEHN Ministerial Forum 2027; to develop and establish a regional hub on digital health to be hosted by Romania, identify project opportunities, and facilitate ongoing dialogue at both technical and ministerial levels.
In this sense: “We welcome this partnership as a vital step forward in creating a more integrated and responsive healthcare landscape, both nationally and across Europe,” said Minister Rogobete.

Dr Paduraru expressed gratitude for the fruitful discussions and concluded by highlighting that:
“Our shared vision of health for all can only be realized through cooperation, innovation, and mutual respect.”
This meeting reflects growing momentum for cross-border collaboration in healthcare, recognizing shared challenges and opportunities in meeting the evolving needs of citizens.

The South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN), participated at a meeting organized by SECID, acting as SEEHN RHDC on CDC and key partners. National and regional health experts convened together to discuss how to reinforce pandemic preparedness and vaccine deployment capabilities across South Eastern Europe.
The meeting, titled “Establish Regional & Country Capacities for Vaccine Deployment & Pandemic Preparedness”, brought together representatives from SEEHN Member States—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo*. Countries shared national experiences, identified common challenges, and designed pathways for joint regional action.
Opening remarks by Dr. Silvia Bino of SECID underscored the urgent need for proactive planning, drawing on lessons from COVID-19 and H1N1 pandemics. Ms. Amanda Bolster of TFGH highlighted the importance of early and strategic investments in vaccine deployment infrastructure to prevent catastrophic health and economic losses in future crises.
Country representatives presented national gaps and lessons learned, followed by dynamic group discussions that identified regional challenges solvable through cooperation. Participants explored regulatory challenges, supply chain bottlenecks, and the need for harmonized procurement processes.
Ms. Ulpiana Lama of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) emphasized the role of cross-sector collaboration in strengthening health security, while Ms. Vesna I. Arsova of the SEEHN Secretariat presented the SEEHN Regional Alliance as a vital platform for mobilizing political commitment and technical capacity in emergency preparedness.
The meeting concluded with a high-level panel discussion featuring SEEHN, SECID, RCC, and country stakeholders, addressing how regional initiatives can incorporate vaccine access, procurement, and deployment strategies.
As SEEHN transitions to a new presidency under the State of Israel, priorities for the 2025–2026 period include:
• Strengthening emergency preparedness and response capacities,
• Bridging the digital divide through regional action on digital health equity,
• Advancing nursing and midwifery leadership for resilient health systems.
This Vienna meeting reaffirmed SEEHN’s commitment to reducing health inequities, improving governance for health, and acting collectively to ensure timely, equitable vaccine access in future pandemics. Through sustained political will and coordinated regional efforts, SEEHN continues to build a safer, healthier future for all its Member States.

On June 20, 2024, Dr. Tatiana Păduraru, Head of the South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) Secretariat, met with Dr. Azir Aliu, Minister of Health of the Republic of North Macedonia, to discuss national health priorities and avenues for strengthening regional cooperation.

Dr. Aliu presented the five strategic pillars that will guide his ministerial mandate, underscoring the government’s commitment to modernizing the health system and ensuring patient-centered care. These priorities include:

• A comprehensive roadmap addressing the health system’s needs,
• Strengthening transparency and accountability,
• Investing in human resources,
• Reforming healthcare financing with a focus on prevention and personal responsibility, and
• Advancing digital transformation within the health sector.

Minister Aliu highlighted plans for a wide-scale digital overhaul to improve service delivery and enable data-driven decision-making. The two high-level officials also exchanged views on optimizing hospital operations, resource allocation, and administrative efficiency to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Aliu emphasized the importance of continuous professional development for healthcare personnel and the implementation of quality assurance standards, including the accreditation of public hospitals. Improving public perception of healthcare services through infrastructure investments and more patient-friendly service models was also a key point of discussion. Ensuring equitable access and high standards of care through facility upgrades and modern technologies was recognized as essential for health system advancement.

Dr. Păduraru commended Dr. Aliu for his forward-looking vision and reaffirmed SEEHN’s support for North Macedonia’s reform efforts. She emphasized the Network’s role in promoting knowledge exchange and collaborative action across the region.

In turn, Dr. Aliu congratulated Dr. Păduraru on her recent appointment as Head of the SEEHN Secretariat, noting the significance of the Secretariat’s presence in North Macedonia and its leadership in promoting regional public health achievements.

The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to joint initiatives and sustained dialogue, highlighting regional solidarity as a cornerstone for achieving long-term, sustainable health outcomes.

Sofia, Bulgaria — June 18, 2025 —The South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) is pleased to announce the nomination of Dr. Tatiana Paduraru as the new Head of the SEEHN Secretariat. The decision was confirmed during the Network’s 48th Plenary Meeting, held on June 17–18, 2025, in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Dr. Paduraru’s appointment marks the continuation of her leadership following a term as Acting Head of the Secretariat, during which she demonstrated strong dedication, professionalism, and a deep commitment to SEEHN’s mission of regional solidarity in health. Her assignment recognizes her role in ensuring continuity, advancing strategic coordination, and guiding the Network through a critical period of transition.

Dr. Paduraru brings extensive experience in public health leadership, regional cooperation, and international engagement.

SEEHN looks forward to continuing its important work under Dr. Paduraru’s leadership as it advances cross-border initiatives in health promotion, disease prevention, and system resilience across South-Eastern Europe.

The South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) was represented by Dr. Tatiana Paduraru, SEEHN Director, and Dr. Svetlana Nicolaescu, Chair of the SEEHN Executive Committee and State Secretary at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova, at the EuroHealthNet General Council Meeting (GCM) and Annual Seminar, held in Brussels from 11 to 13 June 2025.

This high-level, three-day gathering convened health leaders, policymakers, and public health experts from across Europe to explore joint strategies for addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, health promotion, and health equity. The event served as a vital forum for knowledge exchange, policy alignment, and collaborative planning to build a healthier and more equitable Europe.

Dr. Paduraru and Dr. Nicolaescu contributed to strategic discussions on the evolving role of public health in climate action, the development of EuroHealthNet’s Strategic Development Plan 2026–2031, and the adoption of a new Ethical Framework for Health Promotion. Their active engagement reaffirmed SEEHN’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and public health leadership in the face of global health challenges.

A key feature of the programme was the Annual Seminar on “Climate Change and Health: Using the Health Argument to Mitigate and Adapt,” hosted by the Spanish Permanent Representation to the EU. The seminar focused on the mounting health impacts of climate change—particularly for vulnerable populations—and the urgent need for health-informed climate action.

The sessions explored evidence-based approaches to:

• Address the growing health and health equity impacts of climate change;
• Foster intersectoral collaboration to tackle environmental health determinants;
• Equip public health leaders with tools for climate adaptation and resilience;
• Align regional and national strategies with European and global policy frameworks.

The EuroHealthNet GCM 2025 reaffirmed the importance of coordinated European responses to health inequalities and climate threats. SEEHN commends EuroHealthNet for organizing a forward-thinking and impactful meeting, and looks forward to continued collaboration in shaping resilient and equitable health systems across the region.

The South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) proudly supports the celebration of World Blood Donor Day on 14 June 2025, joining the global call to action under this year’s inspiring theme: “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives.”

This powerful message highlights a simple yet life-changing act: giving blood. Voluntary blood donors offer more than just a medical resource—they give hope, restore dignity, and offer a second chance at life. Their selfless contributions are a testament to the values of community, solidarity, and shared responsibility that lie at the heart of resilient health systems.

SEEHN calls on governments, healthcare institutions, and civil society across the region to strengthen national blood systems, promote voluntary and unpaid blood donation, and build greater public awareness around the ongoing need for safe, regular blood donations.

Member States are encouraged to support this year’s campaign by organizing community outreach activities, launching educational initiatives, deploying mobile donation units, and publicly recognizing the vital role of regular blood donors. These efforts reflect SEEHN’s broader commitment to universal health coverage, cross-border cooperation, and stronger, more inclusive health systems across South-eastern Europe.

As we mark World Blood Donor Day, SEEHN extends sincere gratitude to all blood donors in the region. Together, we give blood. Together, we give hope.