Sarajevo, 18 December 2024 – The European Union and United Nations in collaboration with health authorities, launched today a comprehensive research targeting cervical, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This project aims to establish a foundation for effective cancer control policies, with the ultimate goal of reducing mortality and improving quality of life in BiH.
With financial support of 1 million euros from the European Union, along with contributions from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), this year-long research aims to provide accurate data that will pave the way for designing comprehensive cancer preventive programmes. This initiative underscores the EU commitment to strengthening health systems and aligning BiH with European standards in cancer prevention and care.
“This project sets the stage for a multiannual programme aimed at preventing and detecting four major cancers—breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate. We are already programming initial funds to support its launch. In addition, BiH now has access to the EU4Health Programme, a €4.4 billion initiative to strengthen health systems, promote disease prevention and address critical issues like cancer across the region. We strongly encourage BiH to take full advantage of these available funds and actively apply for support to further enhance its health sector”, said Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to BiH Stefano Ellero.
"The launch of this research programme symbolizes a critical stride towards strengthening the health infrastructure", said Marina Riđić, UNFPA Assistant Representative. "As the UN agency for sexual and reproductive health, UNFPA’s partnership with WHO and health authorities aims to gather essential data that will shape the future of above mentioned types of cancers prevention and care in the country."
Cancer remains a major public health challenge in Bosnia and Herzegovina, leading to significant mortality from breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancers. Weekly, breast cancer results in approximately 11 deaths, making it the most lethal cancer among women in the country. Cervical cancer, largely preventable through HPV vaccination at adolescent age and with much better prognosis if detected early through regular screening, causes about three deaths each week.
Colorectal cancer claims more than 1,000 lives annually, affecting both men and women equally, while prostate cancer results in about 457 deaths among men each year. These figures from the World Health Organization highlight the critical need for targeted cancer preventive programs.
"Up to 50% of all cancer cases are preventable or can be treated successfully if detected early", said Erwin Cooreman, WHO Special Representative in BiH. "Prevention and early detection through screening are very cost-effective strategy for controlling cancer. Through this project, we aim to gather the evidence to design targeted interventions to save lives and improve the quality of life for many citizens."
The research will be conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry of Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Republika Srpska, and the Department for Health and Other Services of Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Aligned with the EU Europe's Beating Cancer Plan and the UN Sustainable Development Goals this research aims to follow successful models in the EU. In many member states, organized screening and early detection programs have drastically reduced mortality rates for cancers like colorectal and cervical cancer. The results of this comprehensive study will inform and enhance the efficacy of future cancer prevention and management strategies in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
