Skopje, 25 August 2023 (MIA) — Health Minister Fatmir Mexhiti met Friday with representatives from several civil society organizations, such as the ESE Association for Emancipation, Solidarity and Equality of Women, HERA Health Education and Research Association, the Initiative for Women's Rights from Shuto Orizari, and the Stronger Together association for support of people living with HIV.

According to Mexhiti in a press release, the Ministry of Health will be strengthening their cooperation with CSOs, with a special focus on promoting primary health care and prevention.

"The goal is for the Ministry's preventive and curating programs to include the more specific needs of vulnerable groups of citizens, such as those with malignant diseases, active health care for mothers and children, and other topics for the protection of vulnerable groups of citizens," Mexhiti is quoted as saying in the release.

Joint cooperation is to promote consultations with the civil sector, Mexhiti said, "especially with affected groups when planning and preparing the programs, active participation from CSOs when delivering services to vulnerable groups of people, and greater proactivity in monitoring their needs." ssh/mr