Borovinić Bojović meets delegation of UN Country Team in Montenegro: Strong partnership to advance healthcare system

Deputy Prime Minister for Health and Social Welfare Jelena Borovinić Bojović met with a delegation of the United Nations Country Team in Montenegro, with whom she discussed further advancement of the healthcare system, strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation, and opportunities to deepen the partnership between the Government of Montenegro and the UN.

The meeting highlighted that the cooperation to date provides a solid basis for further joint action, particularly in areas requiring a coordinated approach by multiple institutions and ministries. Both sides agreed that building a strong, efficient and sustainable healthcare system cannot rely solely on improving infrastructure, but must primarily focus on strengthening professional and human resources, the quality of healthcare, and creating conditions for retaining medical professionals.

We recognise the value of our partnership with the United Nations and the importance of recommendations that can help ensure that our strategies and policies are even more closely aligned with international standards and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Government of Montenegro is an open and reliable partner for every initiative that contributes to a higher-quality healthcare system and better protection of citizens, Borovinić Bojović said.

Particular emphasis was placed on the need for stronger cross-sectoral cooperation and the implementation of the “One Health” concept, which recognises that human health is inextricably linked to the health of animals, plants and the environment we share. It was assessed that precisely such an integrated approach offers significant scope for better coordination among institutions and the development of policies that transcend the boundaries of individual sectors.

The United Nations Country Team reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Montenegro’s national health priorities through coordinated action by UN agencies and evidence-based expert recommendations.

It is important that we continue our strategic cooperation, with a particular focus on areas where coordinated UN support can contribute to tangible benefits for people in Montenegro, said Caroline Tissot, UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro.

UN representatives highlighted the importance of further joint action in key priority areas, including strengthening prevention and public health, improving responses to mental health challenges, addiction and social protection, investing in human resources, digital transformation of healthcare services, and responding to demographic trends.

Particular attention was paid to the alarmingly low vaccination coverage among children, especially MMR vaccination. Participants emphasised the importance of stronger advocacy for immunisation and greater involvement of healthcare professionals. Clear, evidence-based communication with parents and communities is essential to reducing vaccine hesitancy and encouraging positive behavioural changes and social norms in support of immunisation.

The need to strengthen paediatric capacities and address the challenge of the outflow of skilled professionals was also emphasised, as was the further development of policies in the area of early childhood development.

The interlocutors also discussed improving disease prevention and early detection, with a particular focus on screening programmes for malignant and cardiovascular diseases, strengthening health literacy, and improving the monitoring of patients with chronic conditions and older patients.

In the discussion on the digitalisation of the healthcare system, the participants considered aspects of digital health development and opportunities to use telemedicine as a means of making healthcare services more accessible, particularly to citizens in remote and underserved areas.

Borovinić Bojović said that the Government is ready to be a reliable partner in all initiatives that contribute to the development of the healthcare and social protection systems in line with modern standards and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

I am confident that we will further strengthen our partnership with the United Nations. Every expert recommendation that can contribute to a better system is welcome, and the UN can count on the Government of Montenegro as a partner in our shared goal – to ensure that the standards of healthcare and quality of life for our citizens reach the level to which we aspire as a society, Borovinić Bojović concluded.