Minister Bošnjak and Justine Coulson Discuss Efforts to Improve Women’s Health in BiH

The Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dubravka Bošnjak, met with Justine Coulson, the representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the meeting, the exceptional collaboration between the Ministry of Civil Affairs and UNFPA was highlighted, emphasizing their joint efforts to improve health and social protection sectors. Minister Bošnjak expressed gratitude for UNFPA's ongoing support in implementing key public health initiatives.

The Cervical and Breast Cancer Prevention Programme, launched in 2023 in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the non-governmental organization ReTe from Italy, was particularly emphasized. Relevant health institutions in the Federation of BiH, Republika Srpska, and Brčko District have expressed the need for its implementation. This programme is designed as a five-year initiative aimed at reducing cancer mortality among women in Bosnia and Herzegovina through improved screening and vaccination, as well as raising awareness among medical staff and the broader population.

At the end of 2023, UNFPA, in conjunction with the Ministry of Civil Affairs, prepared a proposal for a Comprehensive Study to implement a Cancer Prevention Programme, including cervical, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers. This project, lasting 12 months, aims to provide relevant data as a basis for the prevention of these diseases, and the European Union (EU) has already shown support for financing this research.

Minister Bošnjak emphasized that these projects will significantly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, and are key public health priorities for BiH. UNFPA representative in BiH, Justine Coulson, thanked Minister Bošnjak for the support the Ministry provides to UNFPA projects. They also discussed youth-related areas, highlighting technical assistance to the Working Group for developing a roadmap for implementing measures defined in the Youth Policy and Programme Declaration (Lisbon+21 Declaration). This was Justine Coulson's first visit to the Ministry of Civil Affairs since taking office, and Minister Dubravka Bošnjak wished her success in her projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina.