SEEHN and Bosnia and Herzegovina Renew Regional Cooperation on Mental Heal
Skopje/Sarajevo, 21.08.2025 – An online meeting was held bringing together key representatives to advance the renewal of regional cooperation on mental health within the South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN).
The meeting gathered Dr. Tatiana Paduraru, Head of the SEEHN Secretariat; Professor Jurica Arapović, MD, PhD, Assistant Minister and Head of the Department for European Integrational Cooperation, Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and Ms. Lejla Krvavac, the newly appointed Director of the SEEHN Regional Health Development Centre (RHDC) for Mental Health in South Eastern Europe, Ms Vesna Arsova, Financial Officer, SEEHN and Mr Davor Pestovic, Ministry of Civil Affairs, Head of Department for EU integration and International Cooperation.
The agenda focused on the current status and revitalization of the RHDC on Mental Health, which is being reactivated after a decade of inactivity. Participants discussed the importance of designating focal points for communication and collaboration with SEEHN Member States.
Key topics included:
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· The relaunch of the Centre;
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· The process for reappointing national focal points for cooperation with the Centre;
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· Opportunities for renewed collaboration and funding opportunities with WHO/Europe, EU, etc.;
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· Agreement on joint activities and initiatives, including the prospect of financial support from SEEHN;
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· Defining concrete steps for the renewal and development of regional cooperation in mental health.
The participants welcomed the appointment of Ms. Lejla Krvavac as Director of the RHDC on Mental Health, under the auspices of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to lead efforts in strengthening mental health collaboration at the regional level.
This meeting concluded with a strong commitment from SEEHN and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina to work together in defining a roadmap for the RHDC on Mental Health, ensuring that mental health remains a priority on the regional agenda for public health and well-being.
