Ministry of Civil Affairs and UNFPA: Dubravka Bošnjak and Florence Bauer on Cancer Prevention in Bosnia and Herzegovina

On the sidelines of the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in Copenhagen, Bosnia and Herzegovina's Minister of Civil Affairs, Dubravka Bošnjak, met with Florence Bauer, the Regional Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

They discussed joint projects aimed at strengthening the healthcare sector, enhancing mental health, promoting healthy aging, and implementing cancer prevention programs, particularly for cervical and breast cancer in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

During the discussion on the cancer prevention programme, Minister Bošnjak emphasized the importance of collaboration with UNFPA and other UN institutions such as WHO and UNICEF. She also highlighted that the Ministry of Civil Affairs, in collaboration with relevant health authorities, has prepared a proposal for an Action Document as part of the IPA3 programming. This document focuses on project activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the prevention of cervical and breast cancer, aiming to reduce mortality from these diseases by improving primary healthcare services and raising awareness about the importance of screening, as well as strengthening vaccination efforts.

Initiatives were also considered to research the implementation of a comprehensive program that would include the prevention of colorectal and prostate cancer, with support from the Ministry of Civil Affairs and health authorities in the entities and Brčko District.

Additionally, discussions included UNFPA's support for youth issues, particularly addressing the recommendations for measures defined in the Lisbon Declaration.

Minister Dubravka Bošnjak is participating in the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, which is being held in Copenhagen. This year's main topics include strengthening health systems in the context of climate change, the increased need for mental health services, the digital transformation of healthcare, and the continued prioritization of vaccines and immunization among vulnerable groups.