South-Eastern Europe Health Network - SEEHN

The 47th SEEHN Plenary Meeting: Strengthening Community Health Services 📣

✅The South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) successfully organized its annual 47th Plenary Meeting, bringing together high-level representatives from member states, Ministries of Health, Directors of the Regional Health Development Centers, diplomatic corps and international partners.
✅The central theme of the 47th SEEHN Plenary Meeting held on 20-21 June in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina was “Strengthening Community Health Services”. The event aimed at providing a platform for robust discussions, sharing of best practices, and formulating strategies to strengthen community health services in the SEE region.
✅During the dedicated sessions, representatives shared their experiences and achievements in promoting community health services while addressing the challenges and potential solutions to their particular contexts.
✅At the same time, experts from various fields, including primary health care, epidemiologists, mental health experts, Ministry of health representatives delivered insightful presentations, underscoring the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation and active involvement of all segments of society to promote universal health coverage with people centered approach.
✅Participants underlined the significance of collaboration among governments, healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to address, promote and implement better community health services.
✅Discussions centered on developing and implementing effective health communication strategies to reach out to communities and individuals to empower and promote healthy choices. Experts emphasized the need for clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive messaging tailored to different population segments and the utilization of digital platforms to increase health literacy.
✅SEEHN Plenary Meeting also forward-looked at the strategic governance and future objectives for the Southeastern Europe Health Network. Key highlights included the signing of the Belgrade Pledge, strategic planning for the next four years, and the presentation of the SEEHN Presidency Report and SEEHN Road Map. The meeting outlined the strategic priorities of SEEHN for the upcoming four-year period that would support member states and partners to effectively align their efforts and resources.
✅During the closed session dedicated to Member States representatives, a new Executive Committee for the next two years was elected. The member states represented at the new ExCOM are ALB, BIH, ISR, MDA, and ROM.
✅At the meeting, for the first time, the award, “Dr Alexandre Berlin”, was given to the Federal Assistant Minister of Health, Dr. Goran Cerkez, for his outstanding contribution and commitment to regional cooperation in health in South-Eastern Europe over the past 20 years.
✅The SEEHN Plenary Meeting concluded with a collective commitment to implement the strategies and recommendations formulated during the event. The meeting witnessed unprecedented engagement and dedication from all participants, highlighting their commitment to safeguarding public health and strengthening health systems in the SEEHN region.

MEDICAL LICENSING (TO PRACTICE) AND REGISTRATION SYSTEM OF HEALTH PRACTITIONERS. INSIGHTS ON LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND RELATED EXPERIENCES 4-5 June, 2024, in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

📢Happening now!
✅The Ministry of Health; the National Agency of Public Health of the Republic of Moldova and the SEEHN are proud to welcome colleagues from across the SEE region to the highly anticipated meeting focused on the Medical Licensing and Registration System of Health Practitioners.
✅This event will provide valuable insights on the Legal Framework and Related Experiences in the healthcare sector and will serve as a platform for participants to share best practices, discuss challenges, and foster collaboration in the field of health regulation.
"We are thrilled to host this important gathering and to provide a forum for meaningful discussions on improving our healthcare systems," said a Dr Nicolae Jelamschi, Director of the National Agency of Public Health.
✅The meeting will feature expert speakers, panel discussions, and interactive sessions aimed at promoting knowledge exchange and networking opportunities among attendees. Key topics to be addressed include advancements in medical licensing, registration processes for health practitioners, and the importance of a robust legal framework in healthcare.
✅Dr Mira Jovanovski Dasic, Director of the SEEHN Secretariat highlighted that "one of the most significant challenges faced by SEEHN Member States is the brain drain of healthcare professionals, driven by the migration of talent to Western Europe in search of better opportunities. This exacerbates existing issues such as workforce shortages, disparities in healthcare access, and the need for continuous professional development. While other challenges include improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to services, addressing brain drain is critical. It requires strategic efforts to enhance working conditions, provide competitive incentives, and invest in the professional growth of healthcare workers to retain talent within the region.”
For more information and updates about the Regional Meeting on Medical Licensing and Registration System of Health Practitioners, please follow SEEHN social media channels.

SEEHN Secretariat and the Primary Health Care Center Banja Luka continuation of cooperation

Banja Luka, May 24, 2024
South-Eastern Europe Health Network - SEEHN Secretariat Director Dr Mira Jovanovski Dasic had again the pleasure to meet, after two years, with Director of the Primary Health Care Centre Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr Nevena Todorovic.

✅They discussed the outcome of the thematic meeting dedicated to the SECURE FUTURE OF THE HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE AND THE PROVISION OF HIGH-QUALITY HEALTH CARE: NURSING AND MIDWIFERY CHALLENGES AND NEXT STEPS that took place on the 22 and 23 May and the forthcoming Symposium „Prevention is the foundation for health” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U-W9yKA1uk 24 and 25 May.
✅The importance of the strengthening, the reform cooperation, the role of SEEHN and the forthcoming # SEEHN activities and expected results were also tackled.

Happening now!
✅Most South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) Member States (ALB, BIH, ISR, MNE, MKD, MDA, ROU, SRB) gathered for the Regional Meeting: Secure Future of the Healthcare Workforce and the Provision of High-Quality Health Care: Nursing and Midwifery Challenges and Next Steps, organized on 22-23 May, 2024, in Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This meeting is co-organized by the Presidency of Bosnia and Hercegovina, Ministry of Civil Affairs , Ministry of Health and Social Welfare RS, Federal Ministry of Health and the SEEHN Secretariat.
During the SEEHN Presidency of Bosnia and Hercegovina, great efforts were made to strengthen nursing. Nursing and Midwifery stand as fundamental pillars of the healthcare systems, contributing substantially to the delivery of quality care and ensuring the seamless continuum of services. The commitment of all ministries of health in the SEE Region high point the collective dedication to advance and recognize nursing and midwifery in the healthcare landscape.
✅The main objectives of the Regional technical meeting are to:
1️⃣ Strengthen the Workforce Resilience and Preparedness:
• Identify and discuss strategies to enhance the resilience and preparedness of the nursing and midwifery workforce in the face of current and future health crises.
• Share best practices and innovative approaches to support mental health and well-being among healthcare professionals.
2️⃣ Address Workforce Shortages and Skill Development:
• Explore effective solutions to address persistent shortages in the nursing and midwifery workforce, including recruitment, retention, and training programs.
• Develop action plans to improve skill development and continuous professional education to meet the evolving needs of healthcare systems.
3️⃣ Foster Collaborative Partnerships and Policy Implementation:
• Promote collaboration between regional stakeholders, including governments, healthcare institutions, and educational organizations, to implement policies that support nursing and midwifery.
• Discuss and formulate recommendations for policy interventions that ensure high-quality healthcare provision, focusing on equity, accessibility, and sustainability.
✅These objectives aim to address the critical issues facing the nursing and midwifery workforce and outline actionable steps for ensuring robust and high-quality healthcare systems in the region.
Stay tuned for the main outcomes!

Celebrating International Nurses Day 2024: “Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of Care”📣

✅On May 12 the South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) and the Regional Health Development Center (RHDC) for Nursing and Midwifery join the global community in celebrating International Nurses Day (IND).
The slogan of this year's celebration, "Our Nurses. Our Future”.
Nurses are pivotal in shaping the healthcare future, especially in the aftermath of a devastating global pandemic and amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.
✅The Economic Power of Care," along with the IND report, offers a comprehensive analysis of the profound impact that advancing the nursing profession can have on transforming health care delivery, boosting economic growth, fostering peace, and enhancing societal well-being.
✅As we observe this day, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary dedication and commitment of nurses around the world.
✅SEEHN and its RHDC for Nursing and Midwifery are proud to announce that last year's meeting of the SEEHN Member States led to the establishment of a dedicated RHDC for Nursing and Midwifery, hosted by the Order of Nurses and Midwives of Romania. We are pleased to reveal that the official launch of this center will take place this coming October in Romania. This initiative underscores a strong commitment to supporting the nursing profession and enhancing healthcare outcomes across the region.
✅We are also thrilled to acknowledge the strong leadership and significant contributions from the WHO Collaborative Center for Leadership and Governance in Nursing in Israel. This collaboration highlights the international efforts being made to elevate the nursing profession through enhanced leadership and governance.
Looking ahead, we are excited to command international collaborative efforts towards the second edition of the State of Nursing Report, set to be launched in 2025. This report will offer critical insights and data to shape global health policies and further the development of nursing and midwifery.
✅As we celebrate International Nurses Day, SEEHN and its RHDC remain dedicated to supporting the nursing network, empowering nurses to shape and lead the future of healthcare. We appreciate the vital role of care in economic terms and the essential contributions of nurses to a healthier world.
✅Let's advance together towards a brighter, healthier future, driven by nurses, who persistently inspire and lead with bravery, empathy, and dedication.

☑️About RHDC for Nursing and Midwifery☑️

The Regional Health Development Center (RHDC) for Nursing and Midwifery works under the auspices of SEEHN and focuses on the advancement and development of nursing and midwifery practices across the member states.

European Immunization Week
21-27 April 2024

✅The South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) joins the global community to celebrate the European Immunization Week (EIW) 2024, highlighting the critical importance of in protecting public health.
✅As the European region celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), SEEHN recognizes the essential step made in protecting populations from vaccine-preventable diseases over the past half century.
✅The European Immunization Week serves as an important reminder of the life-saving impact of immunization and the need to achieve high and equitable vaccination coverage in all communities.
✅Guided by EPI principles, SEEHN reaffirms its commitment to support Member States and regional efforts in implementing robust immunization programs and ensuring access to vaccines for all.
✅Given the ongoing challenges of misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, SEEHN emphasizes the importance of combating misinformation and promoting accurate, science-based information about vaccines.
✅Through collaborative efforts with government bodies, health professionals and community stakeholders, SEEHN calls for sustained partnerships to combat misinformation and build confidence in vaccination as a cornerstone of public health. SEEHN recognizes the invaluable role in promoting vaccination and looks forward to engaging with partners to promote a culture of vaccine acceptance and uptake. 💉

World Health Day 2024 'My Health, My Right' 🌎

As the global community celebrates World Health Day on April 7, the South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) reaffirms its solidarity with worldwide endeavours to ensure universal healthcare access.

World Health Day marks the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO) and serves as a symbol to raise awareness about pressing health issues and mobilize action to tackle them.

This year's focus is on advocating for the right to health as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of health services for everyone, everywhere.

Under the slogan of "My Health, My Right; Make the Right to Health a Reality for All," SEEHN underscores its dedication to advancing health equity and upholding the fundamental right to health for individuals throughout the region. These words encapsulate the essence of our mission: ensuring that every person, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the highest standard of health care.

Today, amid multifaceted global challenges, from pandemics to environmental crises, realizing this fundamental right assumes even greater significance. We are confronted with the stark reality where health inequalities persist, where millions suffer needlessly due to lack of access to essential services. We must recognize our shared responsibility in addressing these disparities and strive towards creating a future where health is truly a universal human right.

Realizing the right to health requires concerted efforts across all sectors and levels of society. Investments in health must be viewed as investments in our collective well-being, and adequate funding must be allocated to expand primary healthcare services.

Healthcare workers play a crucial role in realizing the right to health, embodying principles of person-centred care and inclusivity. By dispelling myths and prejudices and addressing the specific needs of vulnerable populations, they serve as compassion and empathy in our healthcare systems.

Individuals also have a pivotal role in advocating for health as a priority, asserting their rights to access quality care and making informed choices that promote their well-being. By adopting healthier lifestyles and advocating for sustainable practices, we can build healthier communities and a brighter future for future generations.

On World Health Day 🌎, SEEHN calls upon governments, policymakers, healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and individuals across the South Eastern Europe region to unite to advance the right to health and achieve universal health coverage. By prioritizing health equity, investing in robust health systems, and fostering collaboration, we can support a healthier, more resilient future for all.

🌎 ! 🏥

The role of the South-eastern Europe Health Network in fostering cross-border learning to improve health across the region

✅An interview with Dr Mira Jovanovski Dasic, Head of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) Secretariat

✅What role can EU health policies play in strengthening the ties between countries in the SEE and the EU?

✅EU health policies can play a multifaceted role in strengthening the ties between South-Eastern European (SEE) countries and the European Union (EU).
✅Firstly, these policies can establish a framework for harmonising healthcare standards and regulations across SEE countries, bringing them into closer alignment with EU standards. This not only improves the quality and safety of healthcare services but also facilitates cross-border healthcare access for citizens.
✅Secondly, EU health policies can act as a catalyst for knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices. Initiatives such as collaborative research projects and information sharing enable SEE countries to gain insights from the experiences of EU Member States in healthcare management, disease prevention, and public health strategies. This exchange of knowledge can lead to more effective healthcare systems and policies in SEE. We are actively fostering this collaboration with Romania and Bulgaria, both members of the SEEHN. These countries, along with others, aspire to join the EU family in near future.
✅Thirdly, EU health policies for the SEE region often prioritise health security and preparedness for public health emergencies. Collaborative efforts on issues such as pandemic preparedness, vaccine distribution, and healthcare infrastructure development empower SEE countries to strengthen their collective response to health crises. This collaboration not only enhances healthcare resilience but also fosters a sense of solidarity and mutual support among countries in the region.
✅In summary, EU health policies offer SEE countries a framework to align their healthcare systems with EU standards, promote knowledge exchange and best practices, and enhance collective health security. These efforts can foster closer ties between SEE countries and the EU, promoting regional integration and cooperation across healthcare and beyond.

Read more 👉 https://shorturl.at/cdGKY

European 112 Day

WESTERN BALKANS – 11 February marks European 112 Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the European emergency number 112 and recognising the crucial work of emergency services personnel across Europe. As we commemorate this important day, the Transport Community Permanent Secretariat joins institutions, communities, and organisations across the continent in highlighting the significance of prompt and efficient emergency response.

Whether it is medical emergencies, accidents, natural disasters, or any other unforeseen event requiring immediate attention, 112 ensures that help is just a phone call away. The emergency services personnel’s commitment and resilience in the face of adversity are truly commendable, and we extend our deepest gratitude for their invaluable service. Read more...👇

Credits to : Transport Community

European 112 Day: Recognising Key Role of Emergency Responders - Transport Community WESTERN BALKANS – 11 February marks European 112 Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the European emergency number 112 and recognising the crucial work of emergency services personnel across Europe. As we commemorate this important day, the Transport Community Permanent Secretariat joi...

Study visit on Mental Health in Trieste

✅The South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) Member States and partner countries representatives gathered in Trieste to gain a first-hand experience in developing community mental health services and occupational health through integration practices.

✅In her opening address Dr Dasic director of the SEEHN Secretariat highlighted that the SEEHN Secretariat has been working very hard in the past year to be able to deliver as many activities as possible beneficial to its member states. One of them was to arrange a study visit on mental health to Trieste for mental health experts from South Eastern Europe. .

✅Under the leadership of Dr Dasic, the SEEHN Secretariat organized this study visit, as the Trieste model is acknowledged academically in the world. It was a multi-stakeholder partnership between the SEEHN Secretariat, the Central European Initiative - CEI, and the Secretariat of WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Mental Health, Trieste, Italy.

✅The mental health experts engaged into vivid discussions about the challenges, progress, and policies that shape mental health services in the SEE region versus the Trieste history and progress up to today’s success.

✅The specific objective of this project was to strengthen the capacities of the experts and decision-making level in SEEHN Member States by acknowledging the best practices in community mental healthcare and by drawing applicable models to the specific SEE Region in the local and community prospective.

✅As the mental health is a vital aspect of our overall well-being, the South Eastern Europe Health Network remains committed to supporting countries in this transformative process. Bosnia and Herzegovina, regionally being the champion for the last two decades in the mental health reforms, remains devoted to lead it while holding the SEEHN Presidency.

High-level Meeting on Strengthening the Healthcare Systems in South-east Europe

📢Happening now!
✅South-Eastern Europe Health Network - SEEHN Member States (ALB, BIH, ISR, BLG, MNE, MKD, MDA, ROU, SRB) in partnership with Ministry of Health of Slovenia, representatives of the Institute of Public Health, partner organizations as WHO Regional Office for Europe, Central European Initiative - CEI, OECD, European Commission, Council of Europe, convened at a high level meeting, on 4 and 5 December 2023, in Brdo Congress Centre, Slovenia.
✅The meeting is co-organized by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia and the South-Eastern Europe Health Network - SEEHN, along with the National Institute of Public Health and the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
✅Health is a principal and widespread value in every society as well as a fundamental human right. As such, it must be safeguarded with particular attention and caution. Health systems are in the forefront to implement this task. Almost all healthcare systems are facing challenges related to the post pandemic period, climate changes - marked with catastrophic natural disasters worldwide and with the megatrend of the aging of the population.
✅The main objective of the high-level meeting is to present and discuss:
• strengthening the healthcare systems within SEE and beyond, for more resilience and better preparedness for possible future shocks and crisis,
• solutions for persistent health workforce shortages,
• establishing or strengthening trust among the various stakeholders in our healthcare systems.
✅The participants at the event will additionally discuss the potential of digitalization in healthcare, the questions related to the uninterrupted access to medicines, as well as, issues concerning medicine supply chains, where the lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic will be shared.
💬Stay tuned for the main outcomes!

✅Over 50 participants’ health professionals from South East Europe Health Network (SEEHN) Member States, guests and EU experts, convened at a specialized workshop to compare, standardize, and enhance health data monitoring systems.
The Multi-Country TAIEX Workshop on NCDs' population based registries in the SEEHN Member States (Western Balkans and beyond), is organized during 29-30 November 2023, in Podgorica, Montenegro.
✅The event aims to foster discussions on methodology, data quality control, and the establishment of registries. Participants will delve into the challenges and successes of SEEHN Member States both individually and as a regional network.
✅EC is supporting the SEEHN Member States (ALB, BIH, MNE, MKD, MDA, SRB) along with guests form Kosovo* and Turkiye through the TAIEX Multi Country Workshop on NCDs' population based registries, prepared in collaboration with IPH MNE and the SEEHN RHDC on NCDs hosted by Montenegro.
✅Key themes of the workshop include the presentation of the current health data monitoring landscape in SEEHN Member States, sharing best practices from leading EU countries in developing and upgrading monitoring systems, particularly in the area of non-communicable diseases' population-based registries. The agenda will also feature activities geared towards harmonizing monitoring systems across SEEHN Member States, aligning them with EU standards and fostering cohesion among the states.
✅The workshop is anticipated to serve as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, collaborative problem-solving, and the advancement of health data monitoring practices within the SEEHN region.

Round table on patients rights in SEEHN member states

✅SEEHN Secretariat jointly with the SEEHN RHDC on Accreditation and Continuous Quality Improvement of Health Care (ACQIHC) organized the Round table on “Patients’ Rights – Tool for Long-Term Improvements on Safety and Quality in the Health Systems in the SEEHN Member States”. The event is taking place, today, 23 November in Belgrade.
✅The event was addressed by Dr Mira Dasic, SEEHN Secretariat Director, Dr Danijela Urosevic, Assistant Minister, MoH SRB, SEEHN NHC, member of the ExCom, Mr Vladimir Arsenovic, Director of the Agency for Accreditation of HealthCare Institutions of Serbia (also Director of RHDC ACQIHC), the WHO representative in Serbia and Special Envoy of the Regional Director for the Western Balkans Dr Fabio Scano and Dr Maja Vuckovic-Krcmar, Programme Officer, Delegation of the European Union to Serbia.
✅The main goal of the round table is to discuss multi-lateral interventions aimed to increase the highest possible quality of care in the SEE region. Another aspect is to learn the EU countries invaluable experiences in the realm of Patient Rights, particularly in cross-border healthcare. These two objectives are especially relevant to the focus and mandate of SEEHN facilitating inter-country and regional cooperation beyond borders.
✅Every country faces challenges in implementing Patient Rights. This round table, featuring representatives from each SEEHN member state, presents a unique opportunity for an in-depth examination of Patient Rights implementation practices. It provides a platform for sharing experiences among participating countries, where each nation can acknowledge its strengths and weaknesses in relation to Patient Rights.

📢Dr Mira Jovanovski Dasic, Director of the SEE Health Network Secretariat participated in the Third Regional Influenza Vaccination Meeting: The Progress of Influenza Vaccination and Lessons Learned from COVID-19 in SEE

📑For the last two decades, the Southeast European (SEE) Member States have been working together on pandemic preparedness, influenza surveillance, and immunization. These efforts are led by SECID SEEHN RHDC on communicable diseases surveillance and control.
📑This Regional Influenza Vaccination Meeting was the third in a row. It was held in Belgrade, on 23-24 October 25, 2023. Its aim was to discuss programs implementation, identify the COVID-19 pandemic impact on influenza vaccination, challenges, possible solutions, recommendations.

▶️Previous meetings back in 2017, and 2019, were focused on operational issues related to the implementation of seasonal influenza vaccination programs, to improve the current strategies, and to overcome challenges by looking into opportunities to ensure affordable prices by improving the process for procuring vaccines and cross-border cooperation.

📑The Meeting gathered participants from the SEEHN Member States and beyond, joined by representatives of the Task Force for Global Health, US CDC, WHO Europe, Balkan hub, the WHO office in Belgrade and RCC.
The main outcomes of the two days’ discussions are expected to:
👉 identify strategies to foster short-term influenza and COVID-19 vaccine program improvement and increase uptake especially among key target risk groups.
👉 Identify strategies for integration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccination and other immunization or program platforms following a whole life-course approach.
👉 Exchange country experiences and identify country and cross border actions to address possible gaps and challenges related to improve the access to influenza and COVID-19 or other epidemic or pandemic vaccines timely and with affordable prices and also to explore the possibilities for joint vaccine procurement in the SEE Region.
Finally, the Regional Influenza Vaccination Meeting proved the importance of joint work, harnessing regional particularities to strive for higher standards that will affect the livelihoods in the South Eastern Europe.

World Mental Health Day, 2023

📣'Mental health is an universal human right'📣
☑️World Mental Health Day 2023 serves as a platform for individuals and communities to observe together this important health day. This years theme is 'Mental health is an universal human right.' The collective effort aims to enhance understanding, elevate consciousness, and spur initiatives that advance and safeguard the mental well-being of all, recognizing it as a fundamental human entitlement.
☑️Currently, Bosnia and Herzegovina holds the SEE Health Network (SEEHN) presidency, and it focuses its primary efforts and expertise to promote mental health reforms, namely community mental health services, including the ones in post-conflict settings. Special attention is given to the healthcare workforce and its mental health, mainly after the pandemic in view of the pandemic impact and the permacrisis in the region..
☑️The SEEHN is dedicated to its continued collaboration with other organizations in an effort to maintain mental health high on the policy makers agenda.
☑️On September 26, 2023, the SEEHN Secretariat was proud to organize a highly successful Mental Health Session during the prestigious European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG) 2023 conference.
☑️The session convened an esteemed assembly of experts, policymakers, and advocates, uniting to tackle critical mental health challenges prevalent in the South-eastern Europe (SEE) region.
The event was marked by profound discussions, exchange of invaluable insights, and the exploration of strategies aimed at fortifying mental health services across Europe.
☑️Moreover, by the end of this year, a study tour, at the WHO Collaborative Center for Research and Training in Mental Health, to visit the community mental health services in Trieste is planned.
The SEEHN strongly urges its Member States to act, to safeguard the mental health of the medical personnel, and to increase the funding for the battle against the hidden mental illness burden. We all must continue to seek to deepen our European and South Eastern European commitment to mental health as a rights-based strategy.