ZAEV Public health awareness program 23-24
1 October - International Day of Older Persons
Celebrating International Day of Older Persons on 1 October, declared by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness of the problems faced by the elderly, and to highlight the contribution of the elderly to society. The celebration will be realized by organizing a “Week dedicated to the care of the elderly”, which will include activities such as visits to the elderly, lonely and frail people in their homes, providing food aid and hygiene items, as well as a visit to nursing homes on the territory of the municipality of Strumica.
10 October - World Mental Health Day
Celebrating World Mental Health Day on 10 October, supported by the World Health Organization, given the pressures imposed by the new way of life. Especially in the young population, the basis for the development of depression is created, because they as a target group are more under the pressure of influence and excessive use of social media, which are not a picture of reality and create conditions for social isolation with a sense of rejection. According to the above, activities will be implemented to prevention against excessive use of social networks, fear of exclusion, fear of missing out, self-aggressive behaviour, social dysfunction, alienation, isolation and loneliness, which should result in increased awareness of the seriousness of this problem.
27 December - International Day of Epidemic Preparedness
Celebrating International Day of Epidemic Preparedness on 27 December, declared by the United Nations General Assembly and the World Health Organization, because of the need to promote the importance of epidemic preparedness, prevention and partnership. Activities for the protection of the life and health of the citizens will be realized, as a direct contribution to increasing the quality of patient care.
7 April - World Health Day
Celebrating the World Health Day on 7 April, which each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world on the date that marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization, by launching training for the introduction of “Medical Clowns” in the municipality of Strumica. Guided by the fact that the “Medical Clowns” is a program that has proven to be extremely successful in treating patients worldwide, its results should be aimed at helping hospital patients reduce stress, anxiety and the fear of doctors by the children. With the training completed (psychology, social work and care giving), our goal is the future medical clowns, through a different approach to psychosocial support that is most important for patients’ health, to result in distraction in the patient’s attention from difficult therapies to the patients and children who have been in hospital for a long time.
14 June - World Blood Donor Day
These observations will be realized through the following activities:
Initiating a series of "Community-led Health Innovation Challenges" and "Wellness Challenges" in collaboration with local community organizations, schools, and institutions. The goal is to implement health promotion programs, including workshops and interactive sessions on various health topics such as healthy eating, mental health, and disease prevention, tailored to the specific needs of the community.
- Launching an annual or biannual innovation challenge on a specific public health topic, publicizing the challenge through various channels including social media, academic institutions, and international organizations;
- Encouraging communities at local, national, and international levels to propose and develop innovative solutions to current public health problems and adopt healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management, focusing on projects with potential for practical implementation and long-term positive impact;
- Incorporating different wellness categories such as physical activity, nutrition, and healthy sleep;
- Developing an online platform on the Foundation's website that allows participants to track their progress, fostering a competitive spirit;
- Forming a selection committee composed of health/medical experts who will review and select the most promising projects with real applicability;
- Providing support and resources to selected projects after the challenges, including mentoring, funding, and access to a professional network of experts.
Organizing "Community Health Fairs" where attendees can receive information on preventive care and engage in interactive activities that promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Establishing mobile clinics equipped with basic medical kits to reach underserved communities, offering health education and bringing healthcare directly to those without access;
- Incorporating gamification elements such as live performances, fitness challenges, or cooking demonstrations to attract and engage participants of all ages;
- Organizing personalized health consultations or coaching sessions to encourage individuals to take responsibility for their health and wellness;
- Providing information in an inclusive and accessible manner for diverse community members.
Developing "Health Literacy and Health Education Campaigns" targeting specific health problems, using a creative approach to raise awareness among the general public.
- Focusing on sharing easy-to-understand information to raise awareness of health problems, preventive measures, and available healthcare resources;
- Implementing gamification elements such as quizzes to make the campaign more interactive and enjoyable;
- Partnering with public policy makers passionate about driving public health and wellness awareness to increase the reach and impact of the campaign;
- Incorporating user-generated content by encouraging participants to share their own health challenges using the website platform.
Conducting "Mental Health Workshops" focused on mental health awareness and stress reduction techniques.
- Inviting mental health experts to share advice and encourage open conversations about mental well-being;
- Employing innovative workshop formats such as experiential learning activities, concentration exercises, or virtual reality simulations to involve participants and enhance their understanding of mental health;
- Organizing follow-up sessions or support groups to provide ongoing support and a safe space for participants to share their experiences and challenges;
- Using the Foundation's website platform for webinars, making mental health workshops accessible to a wider audience, including those who may have difficulty attending events in person.
Implementing school-based wellness programs and youth empowerment initiatives that promote physical activity, healthy eating habits, and mental well-being.
- Incorporating these programs into physical education classes, providing healthy school meals, and offering counseling by experts to foster the overall health and well-being of students;
- Developing programs that encourage young people to become advocates for public health in their communities (Health Advocates);
- Organizing competitions related to public health that encourage active participation and the application of knowledge in real-world situations;
- Actively involving students in the development of health campaigns or initiatives, enabling them to take action and develop leadership skills in health management.
Encouraging Collaborative International Research Projects with academic institutions and international research organizations to conduct research on public health issues. The goal is to identify effective interventions, evaluate current health policies, and develop innovative approaches to disease prevention and management.
- Developing a virtual platform for collaborative research on the Foundation's website, allowing researchers to easily collaborate on international research projects regardless of their geographic location. The platform can include features such as video conferencing, data sharing, and project management tools;
- Establishing an "International Exchange Program for Public Health Professionals" that allows professionals to visit and work in different countries, gaining insights into different systems, practices, and healthcare policies. The program aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, promote cultural understanding, encourage collaborative research partnerships, and establish connections with public health institutions and academic organizations in different countries;
- Incorporating virtual reality (VR) in health education to create interactive programs for health professionals and students. VR can be used to simulate medical procedures, create realistic emergency response scenarios, and provide engaging educational content on public health topics. Establishing partnerships with healthcare facilities, universities, and schools to integrate VR training into their curriculum and professional development programs, ensuring accessibility to VR devices;
