In the headquarters of the Government of Zenica-Doboj Canton, a meeting was held between the president of the Federation of Associations of Diabetics of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Ibrahim Delibašić, and the general secretary, Haris Delić, with Prime Minister Nezir Pivić and the Minister of Health, Aida Salčinović. The focus of the conversation was the state and perspectives of support for people suffering from diabetes in the canton, and a special issue was the establishment of educational centers and the institutionalization of the support system.
Status and challenges
According to data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the prevalence of diabetes in Bosnia and Herzegovina is about 10.3% of the adult population (20-79 years) for the year 2024. In the Zenica-Doboj canton, representatives of the Alliance warn that about 30,000 people with diabetes, noting that the number of actual patients is probably higher due to the lack of a single registry.
Also, at the cantonal level, there are significant needs for better education, prevention and systemic support – especially in early diagnosis, promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the availability of modern therapeutic solutions.
Key topics of the meeting
– The association presented its work and the activities of local associations that provide education and support to patients.
Delibašić thanked the ZDK Government for its cooperation so far, but emphasized that it is necessary to institutionalize this support through systemic measures.
– Delić recalled the earlier plan – from ten years ago – for the establishment six diabetes education centers in the cities: Zenica, Žepče, Maglaj, Tešanj, Kakanj and Visoko.
Although funds and equipment were secured, the project was never finalized.
– Prime Minister Pivić and Minister Salčinović expressed their support for the initiative. The Prime Minister announced that the Government of ZDK, through the Ministry of Health, will send a letter to all project participants in order to determine the situation and take steps towards implementation. He emphasized that educational centers represent an important link in the health system because they provide direct support to patients and their families.
The Association of Diabetics ZDK appeals to all relevant institutions to support the project and create a framework in which people suffering from diabetes will have systemic support – from education, through treatment, to the prevention of complications.
