Cooreman said this ahead of the scientific-professional meeting marking World Health Day, organized by the Medical Faculty of the University of Banja Luka in cooperation with the Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Srpska (RS) and the World Health Organization Office in BiH. This year's slogan, "Together for Health โ€“ Let's Stand by Science," highlighted the importance of science and evidence-based decisions in improving the health system.

"Everything we do must be evidence-based. Science plays a key role because it enables the creation of decisions and policies grounded in evidence," said Cooreman, adding that, besides science, citizens' trust in the health system, especially in primary healthcare, is also important.

He emphasized that the World Health Organization collaborates with health authorities throughout BiH to address problems effectively and improve the quality of healthcare for all citizens.

The Director of the Institute of Public Health of RS, Bojan ฤeniฤ‡, reminded that this institution continuously monitors disease trends and provides recommendations aimed at reducing them, particularly concerning chronic non-communicable diseases.

"These are the diseases with the highest mortality rates, both globally and here. Therefore, we urge citizens to undergo regular preventive check-ups, as prevention can significantly contribute to reducing them," said ฤeniฤ‡.

He also announced the continuation of the project researching the health status of the RS population, implemented in cooperation with the World Health Organization, with its completion expected next year.

"This is a crucial project for the health system, because without reliable data, it is impossible to plan reforms or improve healthcare," emphasized ฤeniฤ‡.

Speaking about vaccination, he noted that it is one of the weakest links in the health system and that the Institute continuously works on its promotion and public education.

The Dean of the Medical Faculty of the University of Banja Luka, Ranko ล krbiฤ‡, stressed that science is the foundation of medical development.

"There is no development of medicine without science. All new medicines, innovative approaches, and public health measures are based on scientific discoveries," said ล krbiฤ‡.

He added that the Medical Faculty, through scientific research work and student engagement, strives to contribute to improving the health system, with the goal of connecting science and practice in the interest of citizens' health.