The IDEAHL project made a significant impact at a recent high-level meeting aimed at strengthening healthcare systems in South-Eastern Europe and beyond. Co-organised by the Slovene Ministry of Health and the South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN), in collaboration with the National Institute of Public Health and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, the meeting brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing resilience and preparedness in healthcare systems, addressing workforce shortages, and rebuilding trust among various stakeholders.
The gathering, attended by high-level representatives from the governmental sector and public health professionals, both in the political and medical fields, provided a platform for exchanging ideas and knowledge. Notably, the event attracted online participation from representatives of the European Commission, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the Council of Europe.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of the outcomes of the IDEAHL project by the Central European Initiative (CEI). The focus was on the project’s digital health literacy strategy, which aims to equip citizens with the skills and knowledge necessary to embrace new digital tools. The strategy offers partial solutions for challenges such as telemedicine implementation, workforce shortages, and long waiting lists.
The presentation generated significant interest from participants, with many approaching the CEI representative for further information and access to the strategy. Notably, Northern Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia showed strong interest in the IDEAHL project and its potential to address healthcare challenges in the region.
The meeting served as a valuable opportunity to assess the state of health systems in South-Eastern Europe and explore newly launched reforms to enhance resilience and adapt to emerging challenges, including digital transformation and medicine shortages. The discussions and collaborations fostered at the event are expected to contribute to the development of robust healthcare systems that can effectively respond to future shocks and crises.
