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Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dubravka Bošnjak, attended the academy on the occasion of 100 years of institutional public health in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ceremonial academy, titled "A Century of Public Health Challenges: Public Health Then and Now," took place in Sarajevo and gathered representatives from relevant regional and domestic institutions, as well as organizations that, through their longstanding efforts and dedication, have contributed to the preservation and improvement of public health in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The anniversary served as an occasion to analyse achievements and discuss future challenges.

Minister Dubravka Bošnjak emphasized, in her address at the ceremonial academy, the importance of collaboration during times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need to continue strengthening public health.

"The Ministry of Civil Affairs has invested exceptional efforts in addressing daily and practical challenges, particularly regarding the procurement of vaccines and other medical supplies in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and the enhancement of the health system in BiH. Fortunately, that challenge is behind us, and it is essential to look towards the future, especially the European future we aspire to as a country, where public health is a priority," said Minister Bošnjak.

The Minister stated that the pandemic revealed the fragility of national health systems. As a response to COVID-19, the European Union established the "EU for Health" program with a budget of 5.3 billion euros for the period 2021-2027—an unprecedented financial support from the EU in the healthcare sector and a clear message that public health is a priority for the European Union.

"The Council of Ministers of BiH and the Ministry of Civil Affairs are firmly committed to enabling interested entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to actively participate in various projects aimed at the exchange of information, practices, and experiences, as well as providing support on health issues," emphasized Bošnjak.

The ceremonial academy was also attended by the President of the Federation of BiH, Lidija Brаdara, who highlighted that Bosnia and Herzegovina has good legal solutions in the health sector, but they must be accompanied by significant financial investments.

Siniša Skočibušić, the Director of the Institute of Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized the crucial role of the Institute in protecting and improving citizens' health.

"From research to education, we strive to ensure that every citizen has access to services and information crucial for health protection. The pandemic has shown how important collaboration is and how we are all interconnected. We continue to work and deal with upcoming challenges and collaborate with decision-makers as well as with the media and all other relevant stakeholders," said Skočibušić. 

The celebration of this significant jubilee served as a reminder of the importance of collective work, collaboration, and dedication to a better future for health in Bosnia and Herzegovina.