On the occasion of World Health Day 2026, the South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) joins the global community in supporting the World Health Organization (WHO) campaign under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science.”

This year’s campaign calls for a renewed global commitment to science, evidence-based policies, and multilateral cooperation as the foundation for protecting and improving health for all.

SEEHN fully aligns with WHO’s message that science is at the heart of solutions to today’s most pressing health challenges—from infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance to environmental threats and health system resilience.

In a rapidly evolving global context, translating scientific knowledge into effective policies and practice is essential. Evidence-based decision-making ensures that health interventions are safe, effective, and equitable, while strengthening public trust in health institutions.

SEEHN reiterates that regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing are key enablers in turning evidence into action, particularly in South-Eastern Europe, where coordinated responses can significantly enhance preparedness and health outcomes.

In line with WHO’s call to “stand with science,” SEEHN emphasizes the growing importance of health literacy as a strategic priority and a critical tool against disinformation.

The spread of misinformation and disinformation—especially in the digital space—poses a serious threat to public health, undermining vaccination efforts, preventive care, and trust in health systems.

SEEHN calls for:

• Strengthening population-wide health literacy
• Investing in clear, accessible, and transparent communication
• Empowering citizens to identify credible sources and make informed decisions
• Supporting health professionals as trusted communicators of science

Building health-literate societies is not only a communication objective—it is a public health intervention in itself.

The 2026 campaign highlights the importance of transforming scientific evidence into public policy through strong institutions and international collaboration.

SEEHN underscores that evidence-based policies are essential for achieving equitable and resilient health systems and calls for further investment in data, research, and workforce capacity.

On World Health Day 2026, SEEHN calls on governments, institutions, professionals, and citizens to:

Stand with science. Invest in knowledge. Build trust. Act together for health.

Only through science-driven, evidence-based, and people-centered approaches can we ensure healthier societies and a more resilient future for all.

Vlora, Albania | 31 March – 1 April 2026

Health, veterinary, and environmental experts from across South-Eastern Europe convened in Vlora, Albania, for a high-level regional workshop on strengthening coordinated responses to avian influenza through a One Health approach. The event was organized by the Regional Health Development Centre (RHDC) on Communicable Diseases hosted by SECID, Albania, in collaboration with national authorities, and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC). The South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) Director had the honor to contribute to the event.

The workshop addressed an increasingly urgent regional priority: the need for harmonized data systems, shared surveillance standards, and clearly defined response triggers to effectively manage zoonotic threats such as avian influenza. As highlighted during the opening by Dr Tatiana Paduraru, Head of the SEEHN Secretariat, the region’s geographic position along major migratory routes places it at the centre of emerging cross-border health risks, requiring a coordinated and proactive response.

Over two days of intensive technical work, participants from SEEHN Member States engaged in joint analysis, simulations, and working groups to:

• Define minimum datasets and interoperable data standards for cross-sectoral surveillance
• Establish common triggers for outbreak investigation and response
• Develop coordinated One Health action frameworks across human, animal, and environmental sectors
• Explore the use of innovative digital tools, genomics, and surveillance technologies

The outcomes of the workshop are expected to contribute to the development of a regional operational framework for coordinated public health action, reinforcing preparedness and response capacities across South-Eastern Europe.

Regional Action and Next Steps

Building on the results of this workshop, SEEHN, through its Regional Health Development Centre (RHDC) on Communicable Diseases (SECID), will facilitate a series of follow-up regional actions, including:

• Development of a regional consensus framework on One Health data standards and response triggers
• Establishment of a regional technical working group on zoonotic surveillance and data interoperability
• Support for capacity-building initiatives targeting national public health, veterinary, and environmental authorities
• Promotion of cross-border simulation exercises to test coordinated outbreak responses
• Exploration of digital solutions and shared platforms to strengthen real-time data exchange
• Contribution to the development of a sustainable regional One Health coordination mechanism

These actions aim to ensure that the SEE region moves from fragmented approaches to coordinated, evidence-based and timely responses, strengthening health security and protecting populations.

The SEEHN Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Member States in advancing this agenda, fostering regional solidarity, and aligning efforts with broader European and global health frameworks.

South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN)
Skopje, 27 March 2026

The South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) marked its active participation in the regional conference “Bridging Futures: Internationalisation of Higher Education in the Western Balkans and Southeast Europe”, held on 26–27 March 2026 in Skopje, North Macedonia.

The conference convened a high-level and diverse group of participants, including ministers of education and senior government officials from across the Western Balkans, representatives of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the World Bank, European Commission experts, leaders from academia and university networks, as well as international organizations and policy experts in education, labor markets, and human capital development. The event provided a unique platform for cross-sectoral dialogue linking higher education policies with labor market needs and regional competitiveness.

Representing SEEHN, Dr. Tatiana Păduraru, Head of the SEEHN Secretariat, contributed to the conference’s policy dialogue by facilitating Lab C: “Attracting Health Professionals for the Care Economy”, a dedicated session focused on one of the region’s most pressing challenges—health workforce mobility, retention, and sustainable workforce planning.

The Lab brought together a distinguished panel of experts, including Fatime Arënliu Qosaj (Public Health Policy Expert, AAB University College), Milva Ekonomi (Member of Parliament, Chair of the Economic Employment and Finance Commission, Albania), Ulpiana Lama (Human Capital Development Expert, RCC), Tina Šarić (Independent Consultant), Sulakshana Nandi (Human Resources for Health, WHO), and Danica Ramljak (EU Universities Network). Through a dynamic fireside chat format, the session enabled an interactive exchange of perspectives on workforce mobility, recognition frameworks, and retention strategies.

In her role as session facilitator, Dr. Păduraru guided discussions around key policy priorities, including:

• Advancing the automatic recognition of professional qualifications for health professionals;
• Strengthening regional cooperation frameworks to support workforce mobility and skills circulation;
• Developing sustainable workforce planning strategies to enhance retention and address demographic pressures;
• Promoting international pathways and incentives to transform brain drain into brain circulation.

The discussions highlighted the need for coordinated regional approaches that align education systems, labor market needs, and health system priorities. Participants emphasized that investing in the health workforce is essential not only for the care economy, but also for broader socio-economic resilience and European integration pathways.

The outcomes of Lab C are expected to contribute to a set of policy-relevant takeaways, reflecting a shared regional voice on how to better attract, retain, and empower health professionals in the years ahead.

SEEHN’s contribution to the conference reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Member States in addressing health workforce challenges through policy dialogue, regional cooperation, and knowledge exchange.

“Yes! We Can End TB!”
24 March 2026

On the occasion of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2026, the South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) joins the global community in reaffirming its commitment to end tuberculosis as a public health threat.

This year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB!”, sends a message of determination and hope: with strong leadership, sustained investment, and coordinated action, the trajectory of the TB epidemic can be changed.

Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s most persistent infectious diseases, affecting millions each year and continuing to place pressure on health systems. While countries in the WHO European Region and South-Eastern Europe have made progress in improving diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, global crises and financial pressures risk slowing this momentum.

Ending TB is also an investment in health security. As one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, TB continues to test the resilience of health systems. Strengthening TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment contributes directly to stronger, more prepared public health systems and supports national and regional health security.

At the same time, TB is driven by social and economic inequalities and continues to disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Addressing it therefore requires whole-of-government and multisectoral action, engaging sectors beyond health and supported by clear accountability mechanisms.

Rapid advances in science and technology offer new opportunities to detect and treat TB more effectively. Expanding access to rapid diagnostic tools and accelerating the uptake of new recommendations will be essential to ensure that innovations reach people in time.

Countries must also ensure that people-centred TB care remains at the core of the response. Accessible, affordable, and stigma-free TB services at the primary health care level—combined with meaningful engagement of communities, civil society, and people affected by TB—are essential to ensure that policies and services respond to real needs.

SEEHN calls on governments, health institutions, and partners to safeguard essential TB services and protect the progress achieved over the past decade, and, at, the same time, to renew their commitment to TB elimination through sustained political engagement, strategic investment, and regional cooperation.

As countries across South-Eastern Europe continue to work together through SEEHN, regional cooperation remains key to strengthening public health capacities and advancing the goal of ending TB.

4 March 2026

The South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) joins the global community in marking World Obesity Day 2026 under the theme “8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity.” This year’s message underscores a fundamental reality: every person has a stake in building healthier societies and stronger health systems.

Obesity is  a complex, chronic disease influenced by genetics, living environments, food systems, urban planning, socio-economic conditions, and equitable access to quality healthcare. Addressing it requires systemic solutions, not stigma.

According to data from the World Health Organization European Region, 59% of adults are living with overweight or obesity, and 1 in 3 children is affected. These alarming trends significantly increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.

Across South-Eastern Europe, rising levels of overweight and obesity are contributing to the growing burden of NCDs and increasing pressure on national health systems. Prevention, early intervention, and equitable access to care are therefore public health priorities.

On this World Obesity Day, SEEHN calls for coordinated, multisectoral action focused on:

• Prevention across the life course
• Strong and accessible primary healthcare
• Health-promoting food systems and urban environments
• Compassionate, evidence-based, and stigma-free care

Obesity is a shared regional and global challenge. The response must be collective, evidence-driven, and sustained.

There are 8 billion reasons to act — and the time to act is now.

#WorldObesityDay #8BillionReasons #SEEHN #HealthForAll

 The SEEHN Secretariat is inviting all interested stakeholders (individuals and/or legal entities) to submit their proposals for providing “Technical assistance for support SEEHN Member States (MSs) consultation process towards developing draft of the SEEHN Bucharest Pledge and relevant Strategic Action Plan 2028-2032”, as per Request for Proposals no. 07-2502/1 from 25.02.2026.

The submissions are expected by 18 March 2026 to [email protected].

 For details please refer to following documents:

Request for Proposals

Annex 2: Financial Proposal Submission Form

On 4 February, the South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) stands alongside the global community to mark World Cancer Day, reaffirming the region’s commitment to prevention, early detection, and equitable access to cancer care.

Cancer continues to place a significant burden on populations across South-East Europe, affecting individuals, families, and health systems alike. While advances in treatment have improved outcomes, too many cancers in the region remain preventable, and too many diagnoses are made too late, limiting chances of survival.

Key risk factors — including tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity — continue to drive cancer incidence across SEE countries. At the same time, inequalities in access to screening, diagnostics, and quality treatment persist, leading to avoidable differences in outcomes between population groups and across the region.

The World Cancer Day 2025–2027 campaign, “United by Unique,” places people at the heart of cancer care and calls for a shift from awareness to sustained action. It highlights the importance of person-centred health systems that respond to individual needs while strengthening prevention and early detection at population level.

SEEHN emphasises the importance of regional cooperation and shared responsibility in addressing cancer, including stronger prevention policies, expanded and equitable screening programmes, timely diagnosis, and continuity of care. Working together with governments, health professionals, civil society, and international partners, the region can reduce avoidable cancer deaths and improve quality of life for those affected.

On World Cancer Day, SEEHN calls for renewed commitment to act earlier, act together, and act fairly — ensuring that where people live in South-East Europe does not determine their cancer outcomes.

#WorldCancerDay #UnitedByUnique #CancerPrevention #EarlyDetection #HealthEquity

Skopje, 20 January 2026— The Director of the South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) Secretariat, Dr Tatiana Paduraru, held a highly constructive meeting with Dr Akeem Ali, Country Representative of the WHO Regional Office for Europe in North Macedonia, marking an important step in strengthening collaboration between SEEHN and the World Health Organization.

During the meeting, Dr Paduraru congratulated Dr Ali on the signing of the Republic of North Macedonia WHO Country Cooperation Strategy, 2026–2030, noting its significance as one of the first such strategies concluded in the WHO European Region in the past five years. The strategy provides a strong framework for coordinated action and partnership at national and regional levels.

Priority Areas for Collaboration

The discussion focused on several key areas of mutual interest and strategic importance:

• Health systems strengthening, with particular emphasis on resilience and effective reform implementation
• Health workforce development, including leadership, skills, and capacity-building
• Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the advancement of integrated, people-centered models of care
• Primary health care (PHC) and public health workforce development, with a focus on making PHC and public health careers more attractive to younger generations, positioning them as a deliberate and valued professional choice, and strengthening secondary prevention of NCDs
• Partnerships and coordination, leveraging regional networks and ensuring alignment with national priorities
• Policy dialogue and knowledge translation, to ensure that evidence effectively informs decision-making and implementation

The meeting also confirmed that WHO Country Office of North Macedonia has agreed to partner in the upcoming Health System Global Preconference: “Building Just, Sustainable and Resilient Health Systems in Times of Crisis

&

20^th Anniversary of School for Public Health, Skopje, Public Health Education Conference- expectations, opportunities and achievements in shaping health policy”, to be organized in Skopje on 21-22 May 2026, reinforcing institutional collaboration and shared ownership of key policy and research platforms.

Regional and Multi-Country Engagement

Dr Paduraru also congratulated Dr Ali on the multi-country project funded through the Pandemic Fund, covering Albania, Kosovo*, and North Macedonia, recognizing it as an important investment in preparedness, resilience, and cross-border cooperation in the region.

(*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999.)

Looking Ahead

The discussion underscored the importance of multi-partner collaboration, strong alignment with national strategies, and the role of regional platforms such as SEEHN in supporting implementation, peer learning, and policy coherence across countries.

Both sides expressed strong interest in continued engagement and follow-up, identifying concrete opportunities for practical collaboration under the framework of the newly signed Country Cooperation Strategy.

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.

Skopje, 29 September 2025 – Dr. Tatiana Paduraru, Director of the South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) Secretariat, met with UNFPA Representative and Country Director for Western Balkan Countries, Dr. Justine Coulson, and Dr. Tamar Khomasuridze, MD, PhD, SRH Regional Advisor, UNFPA Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Ms. Jovanka Brajovic Grigorijevic, SRH/Youth Programme Analyst, UNFPA Country Office in North Macedonia.

Dr. Paduraru provided an overview of the SEEHN’s current state of affairs and upcoming priorities under the Israeli Presidency, which 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.

The meeting focused on identifying areas of mutual interest for collaboration. Discussions highlighted several priority fields, including:

• Cervical cancer prevention and control,
• Advancing sexual and reproductive health through a life-course approach,
• Maternal health and safe motherhood,
• Addressing gender-based and obstetric violence,
• Family planning and access to modern contraceptives,
• Strengthening the health workforce, with particular emphasis on midwifery,
• Leveraging digital solutions for improved SRH services, and
• Exploring the impact of environmental factors—especially air pollution—on pregnancy outcomes.

A particular emphasis was placed on the Regional Health Development Centre on Sexual and Reproductive Health, hosted by Romania and led by Dr. Mihai Horga, as a key regional platform for technical expertise and action.

Both sides underlined the importance of reinforcing cooperation and expressed their commitment to further exploring joint initiatives that would advance sexual and reproductive health, maternal and child health, and broader public health priorities 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.