Inauguration ceremony of the Regional Health Development Center on Mental Health in South-Eastern Europe and the First workshop Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 7th June 2011

Mr. Sredoje Novic, Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, on 7th of June 2011 officially inaugurated the Regional Health Development Center on Mental Health in South-Eastern Europe in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

„With establishment of the Regional Health Development Center on Mental Health in South-Eastern Europe, once again Bosnia and Herzegovina is given a great honor and trust in the filed of mental health in the South-Eastern Europe“, said Minister Novic and highlighted the importance of the continuation of the cooperation in the field of mental health among South-East European countries, with support of partner organizations, as one of the key elements to ensure better mental well-being of the population in the SEE Region.

On behalf of the South-Eastern Europe Health Network, Dr. Goran Cerkez, Member of its Executive Committee stressed the importance of establishment of the RHDC and continuing the cooperation among SEE countries in the field of mental health, established through the successful implemented SEE Mental Health Project.

On behalf of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, Dr. Matthijs Muijen, Programme Manager highlighted the leading role of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the filed of mental health in the South-eastern Europe and a number of activities initiated in this area. Dr Muijen also emphasized that the WHO Regional Office for Europe, in partnership with Bosnia and Herzegovina, is dedicated to further cooperation in this area with the aim to improve mental health services in this part of Europe.

Back to back with the Inauguration of the RHDC, the First workshop was held. The First workshop brought together high level representatives of the SEE countries, members of the SEEHN Executive Committee, as well as representatives of the WHO European Region, and other partners and experts. During the First workshop was assessed the progress made since the end of the SEE Mental Health Project in December 2008 and the discussion on mental health priorities and needs for collaboration and support and the future actions in the field of mental health in SEE countries was held.