Regionalna mreža koja dugo nedostaje

Konferencija je okupila istraživače, stručnjake iz prakse i kreatore politika iz Hrvatske, Bosne i Hercegovine, Srbije, Slovenije, Crne Gore i Sjeverne Makedonije. Ovo je prvi put da se stručna zajednica iz cijele regije okupila s ciljem mapiranja stanja prevencijske nauke, razmjene iskustava i postavljanja temelja za dugoročnu saradnju. Uz domaćine Edukacijsko-rehabilitacijski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu i Laboratorij za prevencijska istraživanja (PrevLab),  konferenciju su podržali Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo, Stručni centar za prevenciju ovisnosti iz Bosne i Hercegovine, te Agencija Europske unije za droge (EUDA), što je ovom skupu dalo i evropsku dimenziju.

Snažan program s međunarodnim predavačima

Konferenciju je prvog dana otvorio Željko Petković, pomoćnik ravnatelja Hrvatskog zavoda za javno zdravstvo za ovisnosti, koji je predstavio strateške i programske politike prema ovisnostima u Hrvatskoj. Posebnu težinu skupu dalo je plenarno predavanje dr. sc. Angeline Brotherhood iz Centra za kompetencije u ovisnostima Austrijskog nacionalnog instituta za javno zdravlje u Beču, te je jasno poručila: regija više ne može priuštiti prevencijske programe koji nisu zasnovani na dokazima. Njena poruka bila je i izazov i poziv na akciju. Značajno mjesto zauzela su i pozvana predavanja u kojima je predstavnik svake zemlje napravio kratki pregled razvoja prevencijske nauke u svojoj državi.

Drugog dana konferenciju je obilježilo predavanje prof. Douga Coatsworthа s Odjela za socijalni rad Sveučilišta u Tennesseeju, USA. Njegovo izlaganje dotaklo se ključnog pitanja koje muči praksu diljem regije, a odnosi se na to da nije dovoljno imati dobar program, već je važno kako se on provodi i koliko odgovara lokalnom kontekstu. Poruka koja rezonira svima koji su ikada pokušali implementirati “gotov” model u drugačijoj sredini. Dr. sc. Ana Kozina iz Educational Research Institututa u Sloveniji predstavila je istraživanja o socijalnim i emocionalnim kompetencijama u školama, naglasivši ulogu raznolikosti i inkluzije kao temelja za zdrave odnose u odgojno-obrazovnom okruženju.

Poster prezentacije

Uz plenarna i pozvana predavanja, konferencija je uključila i vođene poster prezentacije, u kojima su istraživači i stručnjaci iz prakse imali priliku predstaviti konkretne projekte i istraživanja. Taj način rada stvorio je prostor gdje se razmjenjuju ideje, naknadno postavljaju pitanja i sklapaju buduće saradnje.

Šta dalje?

Godine rada, projekata, publikacija i intervencija, a sada je stiglo vrijeme da se pogleda šta je dalo rezultate, a šta treba mijenjati. Istraživači iz svih šest zemalja zajedno su mapirali ostvareno, čime je po prvi put stvoren zajednički regionalni istraživački inventar.

Posljednjeg dana program je zatvorio blok o političkim i sistemskim okvirima za prevenciju. Predstavnici svake od država iznijeli su kako prevencija izgleda na razini zakona, strategija i institucija, te gdje su praznine koje treba popuniti da bi dobri programi mogli zaživjeti u sistemima, a ne ostati izolirani projekti. Na završnom panelu i u zaključcima konferencije jasno je artikulirana vizija: PREVREG nije jednokratni događaj. Cilj je izgraditi regionalnu mrežu saradnje koja će trajno poticati primjenu naučnih saznjanja u prevencijskoj nauci i javnozdravstvenim politikama, omogućiti razmjenu primjera dobre prakse te promicati savremene standarde prevencijske nauke u svim zemljama regije.

Konferencija je pokazala da znanje, volja i kapaciteti postoje – u svakoj od šest zemalja. Ono što je nedostajalo bila je platforma koja ih spaja. PREVREG je tu platformu stvorio.

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Atmosfera tokom obuke bila je izuzetno motivirajuća i interaktivna, a aktivno učešće i otvorenost grupe dodatno su doprinijeli kvaliteti rada i razmjeni iskustava. Ovakvi treninzi predstavljaju važan korak u razvoju kvalitetne i održive prevencije u Crnoj Gori i regionu, ali i priliku za jačanje međusobne saradnje stručnjaka i institucija. Stručni centar za prevenciju ovisnosti ponosan je što je doprinio širenju EUPC zajednice i jačanju kvalitetne, naučno utemeljene prevencije u regionu. 

Voditeljica obuke Jana Šekularac, Samostalna savjetnica za prevenciju bolesti ovisnosti u Opštini Bar podijelila je svoje dojmove: 

Bilo mi je veliko zadovoljstvo biti dio realizacije prvog EUPC treninga u Crnoj Gori zajedno sa kolegama iz Stručnog centra za prevenciju ovisnosti. Posebno mi je značila veoma aktivna i motivisana grupa učesnika, otvorenost za diskusiju i spremnost da kritički promišljamo o prevenciji i načinima unapređenja prakse u našim zajednicama. Povratne informacije učesnika pokazale su da postoji stvarna potreba za naučno utemeljenim pristupima prevenciji, što ovaj trening čini posebno važnim. Vjerujem da je ovo tek početak kvalitetne saradnje i razvoja „evidence-based“ prevencije u Crnoj Gori i regionu. 

Tokom dvodnevnog treninga učesnice su su stekle osnovno znanje o kvalitetnoj i djelotvornoj prevenciji ovisnosti koja je zasnovana na naučnim dokazima. Također im je trening pružio osnovne preglede standarda kvalitete koji se primjenjuju i koji su podloga za kreiranje i provođenje intervencija, kao i pregled djelotvornih intervencija u različitim oblastima kao što su porodica, škola, radno mjesto, životna sredina, lokalna zajednica i mediji. Učesnice su imale priliku razmijeniti iskustva iz prakse te razgovarati o izazovima i mogućnostima unapređenja preventivnog rada u lokalnim zajednicama. Poseban fokus bio je na važnosti evidence-based pristupa u planiranju i provođenju preventivnih aktivnosti. 

O svom učešću na obuci Danica Markolović, pomoćnica sekretara za sport i mlade u Opštini Bar rekla je: 

S obzirom da sam po struci ekonomista i ovo nije moja primarna oblast izuzetno mi se dopao način rada, stručnost trenerica i trenera i prilika da steknem nova znanja i drugačiju perspektivu o važnosti prevencije i rada sa ljudima. 

Nova energija, nova saradnja i ista misija – da EUPC raste i povezuje ljude širom regiona. 

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The training was held 5. and 6, 2026, in Tuzla. Participants gained foundational knowledge on high-quality and effective addiction prevention based on scientific evidence. The EUPC training provides participants with an overview of quality standards that serve as the basis for designing and implementing interventions, as well as an overview of effective interventions across various areas, including family, school, workplace, environment, local community, and media. Participants were especially encouraged to discuss addiction prevention programs currently implemented in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to compare them with the interventions they themselves apply in their work with beneficiaries, in relation to what science indicates to be effective and what may even be harmful to end users.

The EUPC training covers the latest evidence in the field of addiction prevention, and after completing the training, participants are provided with the EUPC manual, which can serve as a reminder and a guide for their future work.

Naida Salković, MD:

The training was very useful and practical, and it helped me refresh certain knowledge as well as learn new practices. This type of work is particularly important, as it represents a strong link between institutions and non-governmental organizations.

Nadina Mokayes, MD, Specialist in Hygiene and Medical Ecology:

Although I have nearly ten years of experience in designing and implementing health promotion and prevention activities, during and after the course I realized that I may not always have worked in a scientifically grounded way. This shows how essential continuous learning truly is, and this course enabled me to gain new knowledge, as well as ideas and inspiration for further work.

Prim. Prof. Dr. Maida Mulić, Head of the Preventive and Health Promotion Service:

Attending the workshop once again showed me that there is always something new to learn. The workshop changed my approach to work methods and made me more aware that I need to be much more detailed, subtle, and cautious when selecting methods. A new area I will focus on is standardization and quality in the field of prevention.

Prim. Dr. Majda Sarihodžić, MA in Management, Director:

As part of its regular activities, the Institute of Public Health is engaged in health promotion and prevention. This training represented an upgrade of existing knowledge. Participants were extremely satisfied with the training, particularly in terms of methodology and content, especially the interactive component. It was important for us in terms of refreshing our knowledge, and we particularly appreciated the presentation style and the working methodology.

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The Addiction Prevention Strategy is a comprehensive strategic planning document that guides future activities in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the aim of reducing risks and negative consequences associated with addiction. It encompasses the prevention of substance use disorders (including alcohol, tobacco products, and other psychoactive substances), as well as behavioral addictions, such as gambling, excessive internet use, and other forms of compulsive and risky behavior.

The main objective of the Strategy is to establish a systematic and comprehensive approach to addiction prevention through coordinated action by institutions, organizations, and local communities. The Strategy is aligned with European and international standards and is based on scientifically grounded and evidence-based prevention practices.

What Does Its Adoption Specifically Mean?

The adoption of the Strategy has established a long-term operational framework for the next ten years, enabling coordinated planning of measures, programs, and budgetary priorities in the field of addiction prevention at the level of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Particular emphasis is placed on the implementation of prevention programs that have been scientifically proven to be effective and that are not based on fear-based approaches, but rather on understanding addiction-related problems, strengthening protective factors, and reducing risk factors at the individual level. The aim is to reduce the practice of implementing unverified activities and interventions that are often carried out according to the principle of “better something than nothing,” as such approaches not only fail to produce benefits but may also cause additional harm.

Preventive activities and programs should be implemented across all life settings in which people spend their time—schools, families, workplaces, local communities, and through the media, as well as through the improvement of public policies and legislative solutions that reduce the availability of risk triggers and protect public health.

This strategic document lays the foundation for the development and advancement of addiction prevention in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina over the next decade, with the goal of ensuring long-term effective and sustainable prevention approaches. The Addiction Prevention Compentence Centre will continue to provide professional and advisory support in the process of implementing the Strategy.

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The training is intended for public administration officials who have a general or specialized role and responsibility in the development and/or coordination of prevention programmes, as well as for professionals who work in practice in the field of addiction prevention.

The Association for Addiction Prevention NARKO-NE serves as the reference point for coordinating EUPC trainings in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The organizer covers the costs of training materials, lunch, and refreshments during coffee breaks throughout the training. All other costs (accommodation, transportation, additional meals) are covered by the participants themselves. The detailed agenda is available here. Due to the limited number of places, registration is required via the following link.

he application deadline is August 19, 2025, 8. 2025. at 11:00 a.m. Participation is mandatory for the entire duration of the training and is a prerequisite for receiving a certificate.

The European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC) is a training curriculum on evidence-based prevention aimed at promoting the implementation of effective, modern approaches to substance use prevention and enabling well-informed decisions regarding funding and implementation priorities at the national, regional, or local level. More information about the EUPC is available here.

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The Association for Addiction Prevention NARKO-NE organized its 12th EUPC training session, held on 10. June 10–11, 2025, at the Hotel Terme in Sarajevo. The training brought together professionals from the fields of healthcare, education, social protection, and security, who had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of effective, science-based methods of addiction prevention.

The training included lectures, interactive workshops, and discussions through which participants analyzed the challenges of contemporary prevention and explored examples of good practice from the European context. The training was led by Amir Hasanović, Executive Director of NARKO-NE, and Sanela Pekić, Programme Officer for School-Based Prevention.

Training participant Amela Idrizbegović emphasized that the education helped her more easily recognize risk factors for the development of addiction among young people, enabling her to propose preventive interventions in the school where she works: The knowledge I gained will give me a sense of control in risky situations when working with adolescents. Based on concrete strategies and skills, I gained confidence and motivation to act and apply what I learned in school, with parents, or within the community. The interactive elements and exchange of experiences were particularly interesting, as we felt connected through similar concerns and goals.

Another participant, Amra Čeligija, highlighted how significant it was to learn that not every preventive activity is necessarily good or effective, and how important it is for prevention programmes to be evidence-based: Through working on concrete examples of good practice, it became clearer to me what effective prevention looks like in a school setting and how these programmes can be adapted to the context in which I work. I believe that the knowledge and skills I gained during this training will significantly contribute to my future work and help me recognize and apply effective preventive interventions when working with children and youth, and adapt school prevention programmes to the needs and personal characteristics of students.

Through the implementation of the EUPC programme, the Association for Addiction Prevention NARKO-NE seeks to strengthen high-quality prevention initiatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while also encouraging decision-makers to move away from ineffective and outdated approaches. Following Sarajevo, EUPC trainings are planned in other cities across the country, with the aim of developing a strong network of professionals committed to effective addiction prevention.

Anisa Čelik Raščić

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The training is intended for officials in public administration who have a general or specialized role and responsibility for designing and/or coordinating prevention programs, as well as for practitioners working in the field of addiction prevention.

NARKO-NE is the reference point for coordinating EUPC trainings in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The organizer will cover the costs of training materials, lunch, and refreshments during coffee breaks throughout the training. All other expenses (accommodation, transportation, other meals) are to be covered by the participants themselves. A detailed agenda is available here. Due to the limited number of spots, registration must be completed via the following link.

The registration deadline is June 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Full participation during the entire training is mandatory and a prerequisite for obtaining a certificate.

The European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC) is a training curriculum on evidence-based prevention, aiming to promote the application of effective, modern approaches to preventing substance use, and to support informed decision-making on funding and implementation priorities at the national, regional, or local level. More information about the EUPC can be found here.

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To date, we have conducted ten EUPC trainings across various cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This time, Zenica hosted the eleventh training, held on April 15 and 16, 2025, at Hotel Dubrovnik. The training brought together professionals from institutions working with children and youth, all of whom are directly involved in the implementation of prevention programs.

The training was led by Amir Hasanović, Executive Director of NARKO-NE, and Andrea Mijatović, Deputy Executive Director. They shared their expertise and experience, using diverse methods to present the core principles of effective prevention and to highlight the importance of moving away from outdated approaches that can do more harm than good.

Did the training meet participants’ expectations, and can the knowledge gained be integrated into their everyday work? Read the reflections of participants from the Institute for Health and Food Safety Zenica:

The European Prevention Curriculum training was of high quality and very informative, offering a range of valuable insights applicable in a professional context. It met my expectations, as I work on organizing and implementing prevention activities. I especially appreciated the practical guidance and the exchange of experiences with other participants. I believe these topics are of great societal importance, and I’m convinced that this type of education can contribute to positive change by strengthening capacities and raising awareness.— Alma Gladan, Senior Health Promoter

The training was extremely useful – I received concrete and applicable information that I can use in other areas of prevention work as well. I believe these types of trainings are an important step toward change. Although it is difficult to move away from ingrained practices that are ineffective (as confirmed by science), approaches like this can make a real difference. — Kasema Mehić-Durmić, Independent Health Technician

Following the Zenica session, NARKO-NE will continue organizing EUPC trainings in other cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the goal of equipping as many professionals as possible with the knowledge and skills needed to implement high-quality and effective prevention programs.

Anisa Čelik Raščić

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The training is intended for officials in public administration who have a general or specialized role and responsibility in creating and/or coordinating prevention programs, as well as for professionals engaged in practical work in the field of addiction prevention.
The NARKO-NE Association serves as the reference point for coordinating EUPC training in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The organizer covers the costs of training materials, lunch, and refreshments during coffee breaks throughout the training. All other expenses (accommodation, transportation, additional meals) are to be covered by the participants themselves. The detailed agenda is available here. Due to the limited number of spots, registration is required via the following link.

The registration deadline is April 11, 2025, by 11:00 AM. Participation is mandatory for the entire duration of the training and is a prerequisite for obtaining a certificate.

The European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC) is a training curriculum on evidence-based prevention, aimed at promoting the application of effective, modern approaches to substance use prevention and enabling well-informed decisions regarding funding and implementation priorities at the national, regional, or local level.

The post Zenica – Call for Participation in the European Prevention Curriculum Training appeared first on Prevencija.ba.

The training is intended for officials in public administration with a general or specialized role and responsibility for developing and/or coordinating prevention programs, as well as for professionals involved in addiction prevention in practice.

The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) developed the curriculum, and the training will be led by licensed trainers Amir Hasanović and Andrea Mijatović for the curriculum’s implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The organizer will cover the costs of training materials, lunch, and refreshments during coffee breaks. All other expenses (accommodation, transportation, and additional meals) are the responsibility of participants. A detailed agenda is available here. Due to a limited number of spots, registration is required via the following link.

The European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC) is a training curriculum on scientifically-based prevention aimed at promoting the use of effective, modern approaches to substance use prevention and enabling well-informed decisions on funding and implementation priorities at national, regional, or local levels.

The application deadline is October 28, 2024, by 11:00 AM. Full attendance throughout the training is required to receive certification. More information on the EUPC can be found here.

The training is supported by the regional project SMART Balkan – Civil Society for a Connected Western Balkans, implemented by the Center for Promotion of Civil Society (CPCD), the Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM), and the Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM), with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway. The content of this invitation is the sole responsibility of the Association for Addiction Prevention NARKO-NE and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Center for Promotion of Civil Society, the Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM), the Institute for Democracy and Mediation, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway.

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