Empowering Women and Communities for Protection Against Cervical Cancer

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro

Date of latest update: 2025-12-15

Description

Description (EN):

Although cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates have generally declined in many EU countries, Southeast Europe countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania and Serbia ) are among the countries with the highest incidence and mortality cervical cancer rates in Europe. Given the possibilities of prevention through HPV vaccination, detection of pre-cancerous lesions and early detection through screening when treatment has the possibility to cure before lesions become cancer, there should be no deaths from this disease. The main risk factor which causes cervical cancer is high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection for which HPV vaccination and responsible sexual behaviour significantly reduce the risk of infection. Data shows that although there is progress, young people and their parents are still insufficiently aware of the risks and ways to prevent HPV infection. There is a lot of vaccine hesitancy due to fear of possible side effects and misconceptions about the benefits and risks of the HPV vaccine. Indicators of the implementation of health education in schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia show that it is necessary to improve the education of young people in the area of sexual and reproductive health protection and HPV prevention. Identified common challenges in all three countries are the high cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates and low HPV vaccination coverage compared to many EU countries and the global targets. Also, there are unsatisfactory cervical screening uptake or nonexistence/non-implemented National Organized Cervical Cancer Screening Programs, overburdening and lack of human resources in health systems, low availability of non-institutional and community-based services, and lack of continuous and comprehensive public health campaigns and educational activities in all three countries. The main objective of the Project is to scale up the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. This will be achieved by increasing the use of cancer prevention and control interventions, such as HPV vaccination, education and cervical cancer screening. The main outputs of the project will consist of the Development of a protocol for conducting the pilot project, implementation of the pilot projects on HPV self-sampling testing and cervical screening, Implementation of educational programs, campaigns and capacity building of experts through advocating the transition from institutional to family and community-based services. This project unites activities of primary (education, HPV vaccination) and secondary (HPV-based and cytology screening) cervical cancer prevention, given that there is evidence that these two strategies are complementary and synergistic in achieving the global goal of the elimination of cervical cancer. Primary prevention will be focused on teenagers, adolescents and their parents, young people aged up to 25 years. The project aims to take a community-based approach to primary prevention services/activities. Special effort will be given to capacity building of community health workers or other experts that work in the field of health protection and health promotion. Activities for secondary prevention (screening and early detection) are aimed at women in the target age (30-64) group because early detection, followed by treatment of detected precancerous lesions can prevent the great majority of cervical cancers. Special effort will be given to informing and motivating women to respond to invitation for screening. The project will include HPV primary screening method in all three countries. Cross-border approach is useful because all countries share a common problem in the field of cervical cancer prevention. A facilitating circumstances in planning and implementation are cultural, linguistic, economic, behavioural and geographical similarities as well as similarities in public health systems. However, there are different experiences in the implementation of cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination national programs, which enable the exchange of experiences and can contribute to successful implementation and cooperation. The Project will address the identified shortcomings in the implementation of preventive campaigns and introduce new models and strategies in primary and secondary prevention that will be inventive, comprehensive and community based to make health services more accessible to the local population promoting the transition from institutional to family and community-based care. Conducting a pilot project of HPV self-sampling testing in three countries will assess the feasibility and acceptability of using the HPV self-sample test as a primary screening test in the programme area. The data collected from this pilot will add additional value for making informed decisions for developing reorganized national cervical cancer early detection program.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The "Before Time" project has achieved notable progress in its early stages, laying the groundwork for advancing cervical cancer prevention and control within the geographical area. Through strong collaboration among project partners, significant steps have been taken to increase public awareness, expand HPV vaccination efforts, promote education and counseling, and enhance screening and diagnostic services. Key achievements include the development of a comprehensive Recruitment strategy targeting primary and secondary prevention. This Strategy aims to identify effective ways to motivate target groups to seek out and utilize preventive services, including cervical cancer prevention measures, HPV vaccination, and regular gynecological exams. A unified questionnaire was distributed to over 3,000 participants across Croatia and Montenegro, providing insights into public perceptions and knowledge gaps related to HPV prevention. Public engagement activities have also been impactful. The first outreach information session was organized in Croatia, focusing on HPV prevention and vaccination. During European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, expert discussions on cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccination further highlighted the project’s importance. Additionally, an animated video promoting sexual health and HPV prevention is in development, offering multilingual accessibility. Efforts to improve healthcare services have progressed, with acquiring medical equipment intended to support gynecological exams and strengthen secondary prevention initiatives. These actions directly contribute to the project’s objective of reducing cervical cancer incidence, prevalence, and associated mortality by intercepting the progression from pre-cancer to invasive cancer. The added value of cross-border cooperation is evident in the shared expertise and coordinated efforts among partners, ensuring the long-term success of cervical cancer prevention and control initiatives. During the current reporting period, the project made significant strides toward preventing cervical cancer across Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The focus was on research, education, community engagement, and piloting innovative screening approaches to enhance the impact of future interventions. Education and Awareness Raising A key achievement was the delivery of multiple educational sessions and workshops targeting diverse groups such as students, teachers, healthcare professionals, parents, and young adults. These events provided valuable information about HPV (human papillomavirus), its link to cervical cancer, and the importance of vaccination and regular screening. Over 60 participants attended lectures organized at universities, schools, and health institutions, helping to increase awareness and encourage preventive health behaviors. Additionally, targeted focus groups with healthcare students, parents, and women were conducted to better understand knowledge levels, attitudes, and barriers related to HPV vaccination and screening. This research helps tailor future outreach efforts to the specific needs and concerns of these groups. Introduction of HPV Self-Sampling Kits One of the project’s standout initiatives was the distribution of HPV self-sampling kits. These kits allow women to collect cervical samples themselves in a private, convenient way, making screening more accessible—especially for those who may not participate in regular medical check-ups. Between June and September 2025, 152 kits were distributed across Zadar County, with 44 samples returned for testing. Approximately 10% of these tested positive for high-risk HPV strains, emphasizing the critical role early detection can play in preventing cervical cancer. The success of this pilot confirmed that self-sampling is both feasible and acceptable within the community. Collection points were strategically set up across the region to facilitate easy access and return of kits. Strengthening Healthcare Capacity The project also focused on improving the capacity of healthcare providers. New state-of-the-art equipment, including advanced ultrasound machines, sterilization tools, and gynecological workstations, was procured and delivered to participating health centers. This investment supports better quality care and prepares local facilities to implement enhanced cervical cancer prevention services. A multidisciplinary Pilot Activity Management Team was established, bringing together experts from each partner organization to coordinate pilot testing and ensure smooth implementation. Development of Communication Tools To further amplify awareness efforts, promotional videos were developed to educate and motivate the target populations. One video focused on primary prevention, encouraging young people and their parents to engage in vaccination and healthy behaviors. Another video, aimed at women aged 20 to 64, emphasized the importance of HPV screening and introduced the self-sampling method. These videos, along with shorter clips tailored for social media platforms, will play a crucial role in spreading the project’s messages more broadly and effectively. Institutional Engagement and Support Strong support from national and regional authorities has been pivotal. Public health institutions, local governments, and ministries of health and finance have been actively involved in project activities, helping to secure funding, facilitate procurement, and promote the project’s goals. This cooperation ensures that project achievements are sustainable and embedded within the existing healthcare infrastructure. Research and Strategic Planning Throughout the period, comprehensive research was conducted to inform the development of recruitment strategies and testing protocols for the pilot activities. Focus groups and surveys provided insights into public perceptions and challenges, enabling partners to design approaches that are culturally sensitive and effective. The collaboration among partners from different countries also enhanced knowledge sharing and aligned efforts across borders. In summary, the project has successfully laid the groundwork for innovative and inclusive cervical cancer prevention. Through education, community engagement, modern screening tools, and strong partnerships, it is creating a robust framework that will improve health outcomes for women in the region.

Project outputs: Organisations cooperating across borders in project Before Time(EN)
Participations in joint training schemes for target groups in primary and secondary prevention(EN)
Development and implementation of pilot action to effectively screen the target population (EN)
Joint e-learning platform for cervical cancer prevention and control(EN)

Thematic information

Innovation capacity and awareness-raising Health and social services

Priority: (VI-A_HR-B-ME_3) Accessible and resilient health services

Priority specific objective: RSO4.5. Ensuring equal access to health care and fostering resilience of health systems, including primary care, and promoting the transition from institutional to family-based and community-based care

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO4 A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

Type of intervention: 128 Health infrastructure

Partners (6)

Lead Partner: Zavod za javno zdravstvo Zadar

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR 30765863795

Address: Ljudevita Posavskog 7 a, 23000 Zadar, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://www.zjz-zadar.hr/

Total budget: EUR 344 068.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 292 458.48

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 51 610.32

Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo

Name: Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR75297532041

Address: Rockefellerova , 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: https://www.hzjz.hr/

Total budget: EUR 143 301.90

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 121 806.61

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 495.29

Institut perspektiva ekonomije Mediterana

Name: Institut perspektiva ekonomije Mediterana

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR01049029065

Address: Kroz Smrdečac, 21000 Split, Croatia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.ipemed.hr

Total budget: EUR 151 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 128 520.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 22 680.00

Zdravstvena ustanova Dom zdravlja Tivat

Name: Zdravstvena ustanova Dom zdravlja Tivat

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02008718

Address: Istarska, 85320 Tivat, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Hospitals and medical centres

Website: https://dztivat.com/

Total budget: EUR 219 429.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 186 514.65

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 32 914.35

Contractors:

Name: Sladjana Pesic
VAT registration or tax identification number: N/A
Name: MNE MEDIKA - PROJEKT D.O.O. PG
VAT registration or tax identification number: 03149617 / 30/31-17773-0

Dom zdravlja Mostar

Name: Dom zdravlja Mostar

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 227220420000

Address: Hrvatskih braniteljaMostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Hospitals and medical centres

Website: http://www.dzmostar.com

Total budget: EUR 219 082.50

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 186 220.12

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 32 862.38

Contractors:

Name: Katarina d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 227066670006
Name: WEB studio d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 228020200001
Name: Tiskara Mette d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 227737390003
Name: Medical export-import d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 227010880008

Institut za javno zdravlje Crne Gore

Name: Institut za javno zdravlje Crne Gore

Department: Centre for Control and Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases Centre for Control and Prevention of Communicable Diseases

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02015340

Address: Džona Džeksona , 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Department address: Džona Džeksona, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.ijzcg.me

Total budget: EUR 157 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 133 875.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 23 625.00

Contractors:

Name: DPC DOO
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30/31-08260-8
Name: Inel Medica
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30/31-00977-3
Name: DPC doo
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30/31-08260-8
Name: DPC, Podgorica
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30/31-08260-8
Name: Hilton, Hotel
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30/31-10087-8
Name: ICT Integracije
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30/31-25816-1

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Croatian Institue of Public Health

Empowering Women and Communities for Protection Against Cervical Cancer

Partners and Projects info

Mediterranean Economic Foresight Institute

Empowering Women and Communities for Protection Against Cervical Cancer

Partners and Projects info

Public Health Center Tivat

Empowering Women and Communities for Protection Against Cervical Cancer

Partners and Projects info

Health Center Mostar

Empowering Women and Communities for Protection Against Cervical Cancer

Partners and Projects info

Institute of Public Health of Montenegro

Empowering Women and Communities for Protection Against Cervical Cancer

Partners and Projects info

Institute of Public Health Zadar

Empowering Women and Communities for Protection Against Cervical Cancer

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Empowering Women and Communities for Protection Against Cervical Cancer

Project acronym: Before Time

Project ID: HR-BA-ME00194

Project start date: 2024-09-01

Project end date: 2027-02-28

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Project ON TIME - PreventiON and early detecTIon for more effective treatMEnt of colon and breast cancer (EN) | Project ON TIME is financed by Interreg - IPA CBC Croatia-Bosna and Hercegovina-Montenegro Project will use ON TIME Programme for reference in the organisation of outreach sessions and e-health tool for registration of tested and examined women. The project will also continue to promote e-health toll so that it can be used by the larger population.
(EN), “We Grow with a Healthy Lifestyle” (EN) | Project "We grow with a healthy lifestyle” - financed by ESF. E-learning platform provided by this project will be used in project BEFORE TIME for all educational programmes and modules thus enabling responsible use of EU funds.
(EN), I love health (EN) | The project I love health was co-financed by the European Union from the European Social Fund. The project is dedicated to health promotion and disease prevention in the areas of mental and sexual health, and public campaigns aim to inform the general population about the importance of vaccination and adequate measures to be taken to protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Outputs and educational materials created in this project will be used as a reference in creating educational material for the project Before Time. Participants in the project will share their knowledge and good practices on the project events, especially on Promotional event for the promotion of NGO’s . (EN), INTEGRATE (Joint Action on integrating prevention, testing, and linkage to care strategies across HIV, viral hepatitis, TB, and STIs in Europe) (EN) | INTEGRATE Joint Action has been the first EU funded European project on the integration of infectious diseases in testing services, data collection and country response. It ran from September 2017 to May 2021 and was funded by the European Union’s 3rd Health Programme for Research and Innovation. Outputs and educational materials created in this project will be used as a reference in creating educational material for the project Before Time. (EN), CHRODIS PLUS (Implementing good practices for chronic diseases) (EN) | CHRODIS PLUS is a three-year initiative (2017-2020) funded by the European Union, in the framework of the Health Programme (2014-2020). Recommendations from the Pilot implementation of best practices from this project will be used in the project Before Time. (EN), Projekt CANCON (European Guide on Quality Improvement in Comprehensive Cancer Control) (EN) | Projekt CANCON was funded by the European Union, in the framework of the Health Programme. The main delivery of the joint action is the Cancon Guide, the result of three years of work by top cancer experts in 25 countries and 126 organisations. This guide will be used for the creation of Guidelines for cervical cancer prevention and control. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 234 582.20

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 049 394.86

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 1 049 394.86. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Recruitment strategy for primary prevention
Procured equipment for information sessions and promotional-educational events
Outreach information sessions for primary prevention
Project Communication Plan
Social media profile created and maintained
Promotional video for primary prevention
Kick-off and Final conference and 1 Promotional event for the promotion of NGO’s
Promotional material
Joint training curricula for CHWs with training material jointly developed
Joint Training programe for CHWs implemented
Evaluation & Improvement of Training programe
Training curricula for teenagers, adolescents and young people with training material
Joint online Training programme for teenagers, adolescents and young people implemented
Training programme Evaluation & Improvement
Participation in scientific and professional assembly or similar events
Recruitment strategy for secondary prevention
Outreach information sessions for secondary prevention
Promo-educational video for secondary prevention
Joint training curricula for healthcare providers with training material developed
Joint Training programe for health-care providers implemented
Training programe Evaluation & Improvement
Pilot activity management team established
Testing protocol for self-samples created
Equipment and supplies for self-testing and gynaecological exams procured
Consultation for cervical cancer screening and management of screen-positive women performed
Practical Implementation Model for HPV testing with Results of the testing and exams
Conference for the review of national programmes and exchange of good practices
Guidelines for cervical cancer prevention and control

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion
This Project will support the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region by ensuring cross-sectoral collaboration, which will involve funding research, promoting collaboration among researchers in the region, and supporting the development of innovative technologies for prevention and early detection of HPV infection. The Project will support building healthcare initiatives and strengthening healthcare systems in the region by training healthcare professionals on HPV prevention, promoting the availability of HPV testing and vaccines as well as screening services therefore improving health infrastructure.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion
The EUSDR focuses on promoting sustainable development, economic growth, and environmental protection in the Danube region. It aims to improve connectivity, enhance competitiveness, and ensure social inclusion and well-being for the region's population.
This Project will contribute to the EUSDR's objectives, particularly in the area of health and social inclusion. By implementing vaccination programs, raising awareness through counselling and promotional events, as well as improving access to screening and treatment, the project will help prevent HPV infections and associated cancers, improving the health outcomes and well-being of the population in the Danube region.
Furthermore, this Project is aligned with EUSDR's commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. Through sustainable procurement practices, waste reduction, and efficient use of resources, the Project will minimize its environmental footprint and contribute to the overall sustainability goals of the region.
EuropeanGreenDeal
This project aims to reduce the incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and associated cancers through vaccination and awareness campaigns, preventive health education and creation of training curricula. By preventing HPV infections and related diseases, this Project will contribute to a healthier population, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving overall well-being.
Furthermore, the production and distribution of HPV vaccines can be carried out in an environmentally sustainable manner, minimizing waste, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. This would be in line with the Green Deal's focus on promoting sustainable practices across various sectors.
Ultimately the project will adhere to relevant environmental regulations, promote sustainable practices, and consider the broader impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity by addressing this significant public health challenge.
Other
The National Strategic Framework Against Cancer until 2030 is a document that focuses on prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for people suffering from cancer. The goal of this framework is to reduce the incidence of cancer, improve treatment outcomes, increase the quality of life of patients and ensure the sustainability of the health care system in the face of the growing burden of cancer.
The National Strategic Framework Against Cancer until 2030 includes a number of measures and activities aimed at different aspects of the fight against cancer. This includes the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, early detection and diagnosis, access to high-quality treatment, patient support during and after treatment, research and development of new therapies, and collaboration with other sectors to create conditions for reducing the risk of cancer.
This framework also recognizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment, cooperation between health institutions, civil society organizations and other stakeholders, and educating and empowering the public about the importance of cancer prevention and early detection.
This project improves the primary and secondary prevention of malignant diseases promoted by the National Strategic Framework. The project aims to create a comprehensive approach to ensure equitable access to health services with a focus on education and the development of awareness about HPV, cervical cancer and control services, as well as increasing the popularity of utilizing preventive services.
Ultimately, this Project complements and fulfils the main strategic goal set by the National Strategic Framework Against Cancer until 2030, which is to reduce the incidence and mortality from cancer in Croatia at the level of Western European countries.
Other The National Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program aims to reduce the incidence and mortality from this type of cancer through regular preventive examinations and early detection of precancerous changes or cervical cancer.
The national cervical cancer early detection program in Croatia includes the following activities:
1. Vaccination against HPV: Vaccination of girls against human papilloma virus (HPV) is part of the program to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. Vaccination is available in schools and health facilities.
2. Regular gynecological examinations: It is recommended that women regularly visit a gynecologist for preventive examinations. During the examination, the gynecologist will perform a PAPA test or an HPV test to detect precancerous changes or cervical cancer.
3. Education and awareness: The national program includes the education of women about the importance of regular examinations, the risks of HPV infection and ways to prevent cervical cancer.
4. Reference centers and laboratories: As part of the program, there are reference centers and laboratories that provide expertise and quality sample processing for PAPA testing and HPV testing.
5. Monitoring and evaluation: The program conducts monitoring and evaluation of program effectiveness to ensure quality and continuous improvement.
The aim of this Project is aligned with National Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program in reducing morbidity and mortality of certain types of cancer with the aim to include as many people as possible and encouraging them to take part in examinations, vaccination and education, as well as motivate them to participate actively in the prevention and improvement of their health.
Other
The three-year program of immunization, seroprophylaxis and chemoprophylaxis for special population groups and individuals at increased risk is an initiative implemented with the aim of protection and prevention from certain diseases or infections among vulnerable groups. This program is applied to different diseases or infections, depending on the specific needs and risks of the population.
The three-year immunization, seroprophylaxis and chemoprophylaxis program for special population groups and individuals at increased risk is based on scientific guidelines and expert recommendations. This type of program is essential for protecting vulnerable groups from disease and infection and reducing their risk of complications and mortality.
This Project contributes to the popularization and greater use of HPV vaccines, by creating joint training curricula for community health workers to raise awareness, educate target groups about benefits of the HPV vaccine which will greatly contribute to the reducing the risk of HPV and increasing the number of vaccinated girls.
Other The National Health Development Plan for the period 2021–2027 was adopted by the Government of Croatia on 30 December 2021. It is aligned with the National Development Strategy until 2030, the Government Programme, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan for 2021–2026 and the European Commission’s Cohesion Policy Guidelines for the period 2021–2027. It is a medium-term strategic plan that establishes specific goals, measures, projects and activities that will be implemented under the auspices of the Ministry of Health with the overarching aim of improving the health system and population health outcomes.
The National Health Development Plan for the period 2021–2027 comprises five specific goals:
1. Improved healthy lifestyles and more effective disease prevention;
2. Improvement of the health system;
3. Improvement of the model of care for key health challenges;
4. Making the health system a desirable place to work;
5. Improving the financial sustainability of the health system.
Cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and malignant diseases are the leading cause of mortality. Bearing in mind the aging population, ubiquitous globalization and urbanization, the socioeconomic situation as well as the high prevalence of risk factors, it is possible to expect an increasing burden of these diseases if comprehensive prevention measures are not taken. Therefore this Project upgrades and contributes to 3 specific goals of The National Health Development Plan for the period 2021-2027, improving healthy lifestyle and more effective disease prevention; Improving of the health system; Improvment of the model of care for key health challenges by promoting the availability of HPV testing and vaccines as well as screening services therefore improving health system and infrastructure aa well as tackling down any health challenges with adequate training and educational programmes for community health workers.
Other
The strategy for the prevention, treatment and control of malignant neoplasms in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the period from 2012 to 2020 is a document that was adopted with the aim of reducing the incidence, improving diagnostics and treatment, and improving the quality of life of cancer patients.
This strategy recognizes the importance of prevention as a key factor in reducing the risk of cancer. Therefore, it focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle, educating about the importance of regular checkups and early diagnosis, and raising awareness of the risk factors associated with cancer.
The strategy also deals with improving the diagnosis and treatment of malignant neoplasms. These include improving access to diagnostic procedures, developing multidisciplinary cancer treatment teams, ensuring adequate therapy and patient care, and improving monitoring and evaluation of treatment outcomes.
In addition, the strategy deals with organization and management in the field of oncology. The goal is to ensure coordination between different stakeholders in the health care system, to improve the quality of work of oncology institutions, and to ensure financial sustainability and transparency in the spending of funds intended for the fight against cancer.
This Project will implement good procedures and policies for educational and prevention cancer programs, further refining and improving them through joint training curricula.
This Project in cooperation with The strategy for the Prevention, Treatment and Control of malignant neoplasms in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the period from 2012 to 2020 aims to reduce the burden of cancer on the population, improve treatment outcomes and ensure fair access to health services.
Other The preparation of the National Strategy for the Development of Healthcare and Malignant Diseases for Montenegro is underway. Cervical cancer is the second most common malignant tumour of the female genital system
to the world. It is considered a curable disease, because it has a long pre-invasive period, which is
they can organize effective screening and because it is the treatment of pre-invasive lesions and early stages diseases successful. According to the data of the Registry for Malignant Neoplasms, in 2013, 106 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, that is, 8% of all women with cancer were diagnosed with cervical cancer.
According to Globocan estimates from 2020, the standardized incidence rate of cervical cancer in Montenegro is 26.2, and the standardized mortality rate is 10.5. This puts Montenegro in first place in Europe in terms of standardized incidence and mortality rates. The average age at which invasive cervical cancer is detected is 48-52 years, and cancer
in situ 35 years This difference in age distribution between carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma
attributed to a possible latent period required for progression from intraepithelial to invasive forms of this disease. In some countries, the death rate from throat cancer is increasing uterus in women younger than 35 years. The reasons for the increase are not well known, but they point to the increased freedom in sexual behaviour, which is associated with the frequency of sexually transmitted infections, especially those caused by human papillomaviruses. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable tumors and prevention measures are the best method of reducing the incidence and mortality.
Other Global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2020. Strategic actions to achieve the 2030 targets that the project will aim to tackle are:
6.1 Primary prevention: HPV vaccination
6.3 Secondary prevention: screening and treating precancerous lesions
6.4 Strategic actions to achieve 70% coverage for screening and 90% treatment of precancerous lesions.
Other Europe's Beating Cancer Plan. The aim of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan is to tackle the entire disease pathway. It is structured around four key action areas where the EU can add the most value: (1) prevention; (2) early detection;
(3) diagnosis and treatment; and (4) quality of life of cancer patients and survivors. Project will contribute to the these Strategy areas:
3.1. Improving health literacy on cancer risks and determinants
3.7. Preventing cancers caused by infections
4. IMPROVING EARLY DETECTION OF CANCER
Other Global health sector strategies on, respectively, HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections for the period
2022-2030. Strategic actions to achieve the 2030 targets that the project will aim to tackle are:
Shared approaches for a people centred response:
3.2 Strategic direction 1: Deliver high-quality, evidence-based, people centred service
Action 4: Prevention, treatment and care for children and adolescents.
Action 5: Infection prevention and control.
Action 8: Stigma and discrimination in health care settings.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 085 - Participations in joint training schemes, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 081 - Completions of joint training schemes, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-12-15

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

37 / 37 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

167 / 167 (100%)

Notes on the data

The end dates of project: - RACE 2 - APOLLO - CODES - SMART STEP are an approximation based on the programme's List of Operations available on the programme's website on 2024 -09-18. There the end date is marked in quarters. Combined total of all projects partnerships (11764705.89) in field total_budget is larger than projects total (1499618.4) of total_budget.

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Empowering Women and Communities for Protection Against Cervical Cancer

Description

Thematic information

Partners (6)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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