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Recent News from PPH, PHARS and PHAS

Partnership for Public Health (PPH)

Physical activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina is at a very low level. A survey conducted by the Federal Institute of Public Health shows that only 15% of adults are physically active. The World Health Organization - European Region urges European countries to apply measures to reverse their populations’ trend towards inactivity and create conditions in which they can improve their health through physical activity as a part of everyday life.

PPH, in collaboration with the Canadian Society for International Health's (CSIH) Youth and Health project and the University of Sarajevo, organized a contest for the students of the Faculty of Economics (16 teams of virtual marketing companies) to prepare a "Physical Activity and Health" social marketing plan.  After three months of work, students presented their plans to their professors, PPH and CSIH representatives.  In February 2008 the best social marketing plan was chosen. The students prepared several public awareness tools to promote physical activity: TV advertisement, Internet advertisement, billboard posters, and street signs. The campaign was presented to the Ministry of Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federation Bosnia and Herzegovina Institute of Public Health. This campaign was received as a powerful health promotion tool.

PPH is planning to use the social marketing material created by the students to fundraise for implementation of initiatives related to promotion of physical activity.


Public Health Association of the Republika Srpska (PHARS)

Health Promotion Resource Center/Smoking Cessation at the University of Banja Luka Project

The results of the 2006 Global Health Professionals Survey (GHPS) in Republika Srpska, supported by CPHA, show a very high prevalence of tobacco use among 3rd year dental, medical and pharmacy students - between 71.7 and 86.9%.  Eight out of 10 students surveyed currently smoke cigarettes, although the majority expressed interest in quitting smoking. Students were aware of the harmful effects of smoking and second-hand smoke.  Almost 80% of students surveyed believe health professionals should get special training about smoking cessation techniques.

The Public Health Association of Republika Srpska (PHARS) identified tobacco control amongst university students as a priority at a planning workshop held in July 2007. PHARS members approved a concept to implement a tobacco cessation initiative aimed at university students in partnership with the University of Banja Luka.  Although a law exists that prohibits smoking in public places and schools, it is not applied. 

This initiative will be implemented over the next several months.  The introduction of training programs for tobacco addiction at the University will assist a great number of students to quit smoking.  Teams of student volunteers will be trained to promote the Leave the Pack Behind (LTPB) Program on campus.  Other students will be identified and trained as peer educators for the LTPB Program using a “train the trainer” approach. 

A pilot Health Promotion Resource Centre (HPRC) will be established at the University of Banja Luka. This will be a partnership between the University, the student Association and PHARS.  The HPRC will produce and disseminate information on smoking prevention and cessation to students.

 

Public Health Association of Serbia (PHAS)