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.
