When health comes to the village: How the HEAL project changed the lives of the elderly in the cross-border region
At a time when the number of people over 60 is growing, it is important to ask ourselves whether we are noticing and hearing our oldest citizens enough – and whether they have access to adequate medical care? This is exactly where the story of the project “Healthy Ageing in the Cross-Border Area – HEAL” begins, which in recent months has shown how attention, commitment and cooperation can bring concrete positive change in the lives of older people in rural areas.
In Inđija, Šid, Ruma and Irig, during February and March 2024, Info Days were organized with free health check-ups, where attendees could measure their blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides, and there were also conversations about mental health, healthy eating and physical activity. Perhaps most importantly of all – there was time for conversation, for care, for humanity.
“I don’t remember the last time I had a chance to check my health. Thank you, kids!”, said one user.
Red Cross volunteers, trained and ready, were the heart of this endeavor. They didn’t just measure parameters – they listened, explained, encouraged. And when the examinations showed something worrisome, a doctor was also organized to come – directly to the village, where there is no clinic or regular medical check-ups.
The HEAL project has proven that prevention is not a privilege but a right. That early detection of disease is just as important in Iriga as it is in Belgrade. And that there is a way to achieve it – with the support of the European Union, good organization and a team of people who believe that everyone deserves a chance to age with dignity.
Participants and local teams confirmed the importance of these actions. From Kiseljak, they say: “Many did not know that they had high blood sugar. Everyone was grateful for the opportunity to check their health condition.” The Red Cross of Ruma emphasizes the excellent cooperation with the medical service, while in Stara Pazova they are implementing the action together with the Serbian Army and are planning a continuation under the name “Military Doctor in the Village.” In Novi Grad, after the examination, one person was instructed to immediately see their doctor – which may have extended her life.
The project “Healthy Ageing in the Cross-Border Area – HEAL” was implemented from November 2023 to August 2024, and had a total value of 254,447.77 euros. Although its implementation has been formally completed, the results and positive effects are still being felt – in changes in local communities, in the better health of beneficiaries and in the renewed trust of older citizens.
Text taken from the official website of the Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Serbia – Bosnia and Herzegovina.
