Prevention as an Investment: Health, Education, and the Future in Focus at Health Fest in Sarajevo

(Patria) - On the occasion of World Health Day, as part of the Second Health Fest in BiH, held under the slogan "Together for Health," a panel discussion was held at Europe House Sarajevo on the topic "Prevention as an Investment: Health, Education, Economy of the Future".

Among others, the Minister of Health of Sarajevo Canton Enis Hasanović and the Minister of Education and Upbringing of Sarajevo Canton Naida Hota-Muminović participated in this event.

The event also brought together representatives of authorities, the educational and health sectors, international partners, local communities, and the media, with the aim of strengthening intersectoral cooperation and affirming preventive approaches as the foundation of a healthy society.



The discussion focused on the need to view health as a shared responsibility of different systems, with a clear recognition of the role of education in developing healthy life habits from an early age.

It was particularly emphasized that schools, as places where children spend a significant amount of time, have a key role in shaping habits, attitudes, and a sense of security.

In Sarajevo Canton, the educational system is being developed as a space for supporting student well-being, through strengthening psychological-pedagogical support, preventive programs, and improving a safe and stimulating school environment.

Special focus was placed on the mental and physical health of children, including the adoption of school nutrition standards, as well as the implementation of programs that encourage physical activity and the development of healthy life habits.

Minister Hota-Muminović emphasized that intersectoral cooperation is the key to long-term results, stating that education and health must work together to respond to the needs of children and youth in a timely manner.

- We cannot view children's health separately from education. Therefore, we do not see prevention as an add-on, but as the foundation on which we build the educational system and a healthier society.

It is precisely through the cooperation of education and health that children adopt healthy life habits from an early age. A child who feels safe and accepted achieves better educational and health outcomes - emphasized Hota-Muminović.

On the occasion of World Health Day, Minister of Health Enis Hasanović congratulated healthcare workers and citizens, and highlighted the importance of Health Fest as a platform for connecting institutions and strengthening preventive approaches in healthcare.



- Health is the foundation of every society and the shared responsibility of all of us. The Second Health Fest confirms that Sarajevo Canton prioritizes the health of its citizens through strengthening the system and promoting healthy lifestyles - stated Minister Hasanović.

He added that the Ministry of Health continuously invests in modernizing services and improving their accessibility.

The panel discussion is part of the broader Health Fest program, which, on the occasion of World Health Day, is being implemented in municipalities and cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina through a series of activities ranging from preventive check-ups and educational workshops to public forums and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.