BiH at the 75th WHO Regional Committee for Europe: Focus on Strengthening Primary Health Care

The Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dubravka Bošnjak, is leading the country’s delegation at the 75th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Europe, held from 28 to 30 October in Copenhagen.

The session brings together representatives from 53 WHO European Region member states with the aim of defining common priorities and strategies to improve public health. This year’s conference focuses on the adoption of the Second European Programme of Work (EPW2) for the period 2026–2030.

The programme addresses four key challenges: health security, climate change and health, non-communicable diseases and mental health, and healthy ageing. Special emphasis is placed on the future of primary health care and the fight against violence towards women and girls.

In her address, Minister Bošnjak highlighted the importance of strengthening primary health care as the foundation of a resilient health system. She emphasized that such care must be comprehensive, integrated, and people-centred, supported by innovation, including digitalization, artificial intelligence, and effective data management. In this context, Bosnia and Herzegovina is already taking steps by establishing centres for health promotion and disease prevention, which connect health systems with local communities and ensure equitable access to health services.

Bosnia and Herzegovina fully supports the Second European Programme of Work (EPW2), which aims to increase access to quality health care for all.

BiH’s participation in this session confirms the country’s commitment to actively engaging in WHO health policies and strategic initiatives in Europe.