South Eastern European Journal of Public Health

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Authors: Genc Burazeri, Ulrich Laaser, Jose M. Martin-Moreno, Peter Schröder-Bäck

The South Eastern European Journal of Public Health (SEEJPH) is an online, open-access, international, peer-reviewed journal, which was launched in 2013. It covers all areas of health sciences, with a main focus on public health. SEEJPH is a journal originating from the ten years of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe (2001-2011), but aiming to provide a forum for all countries in transition worldwide, whose research work would otherwise be hardly visible. From this point of view, this journal strives to promote particularly an area referred to as “Health Transition Research”.

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Authors: R. Gregory Thomas-Reilly, Fimka Tozija, Viorel Soltan, Dance G. Nikovska, Valeriu Crudu, Rifat Atun, Martin McKee

Aim: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) arises where treatment is interrupted or inadequate, when patients are treated inappropriately, or when an individual has impaired immune function, which can lead to a rapid progression from infection with an MDR-strain to disease. This study examines the role of health systems in amplifying or preventing the development of MDR-TB. Methods: We present two comparative studies, which were undertaken in The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (TFYR Macedonia) and Moldova. Results: The findings reveal several health systems-level factors that contribute to the different rates of MDR-TB observed in these two countries, including: pre-existing burden of disease; organization of the health system, with the existence of parallel systems; power dynamics among policy makers and disease programmes; and the accountability & effectiveness of programme oversight. Conclusions: The findings do not offer a universal template for health system reform but do identify specific factors that may be contributing to the epidemic and are worthy of further attention in the two countries.

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Authors: Christiane Wiskow, Maria Ruseva, Ulrich Laaser

Aim: Regional collaboration has continuously contributed to the development of public health in the South Eastern Europe (SEE) region since 2000 when the Public Health Collaboration in SEE (PH-SEE) was initiated. This article looks into two frameworks for regional collaboration in the area of public health: a framework developed in 2004 by a network of public health professionals and academics, and another one developed by the SEE Health Network as integral part of the SEE 2020 strategy on Jobs and Prosperity in a European Perspective, adopted in 2013. It compares the commonalities and differences of the two frameworks; considers what is still valid and relevant after ten years and which new features have emerged in the new strategy. Methods: A literature review was carried out and a qualitative analysis was applied for the comparison of the two frameworks. Results: Notwithstanding the time gap of nearly ten years, the commonalities between the two regional health strategies are significant. Major consistent goals include: improving equity in health; strengthening human resources for health; improving intersectoral cooperation and governance. The differences between the two regional strategies, including issues around social participation and regional health information systems, are partially due to their different development context. Cross-border policies and quality management have emerged as new or more pronounced topics in the SEE 2020 strategy’s health dimension. Conclusions: Many aspects addressed in the 2004 framework are pertinent with regard to the SEE 2020 health dimension and remain relevant in the current context. The integration of health as part of the economic SEE 2020 strategy reflects a significant paradigm shift and important step forward for public health.