Member States from the World Health Organization’s European region, represented by high-level health delegates and non-state actors, discussed health priorities for the European Region in Copenhagen. The dialogues took place at the 74th session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for Europe (RC74).
Sergiu Gherman, Director of the PAS Center, participated in the sessions of the WHO Europe Regional Committee. In a speech during the panel dedicated to non-state actors, he highlighted the role of non-governmental organizations in supporting progress in health and equitable access to health services.
More than 20 years, PAS Center has had a significant and ongoing collaboration with the WHO around key areas of health policy reform, diseases prevention, improving health services delivery and addressing health challenges in Moldova and EECA region, focusing on the engagement of NSAs in public health initiatives alongside Member States.
PAS Center, as a regionally exposed NGO, in 25 years became a key player in health system strengthening across Moldova and EECA region, with over 60 projects and initiatives in policy, health program implementation, research, informational campaigns, media coverage and watchdog activities, as well as partnerships with local and regional organizations.
Also, PAS Center is part of many platforms established to address public health challenges leveraging the strengths of various stakeholders, as coordinated responses to address TB, HIV and hepatitis; policy development and advocacy; collaboration in science and technology, formalize civil society's role in health, promote innovative/digital solutions in treatment adherence and CLM activities.
Over the years, PAS Center has conducted different studies, analyzes and assessments in Moldova and across the EECA region that significantly impacted health policies; provided evidence to shape legislation; served as a benchmark for policy updates; and improved health outcomes.
For example, in Moldova, key analyses, such as study on the cost-effectiveness of tobacco control (2011), PAS Center provided critical data directly contributed to approving the law on tobacco control. Similarly, the review on barriers to health services access revealed inequities in care, prompting reforms to improve accessibility.
Study on Video Supported Treatment in Moldova demonstrated significant time and cost savings for TB patients compared to traditional methods, paving the way for nationwide adoption.
The PAS Center has implemented projects with impact in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region
CRG assessments in countries like Armenia and Kazakhstan have fostered stronger collaboration between NTPs and affected communities, leading to national costed action plans and improved monitoring of cases.
Patient-Pathway Analysis identified barriers to care in Belarus and Kazakhstan, driving improvements in case-finding strategies and diagnostic capacities.
These studies have been instrumental in advocacy, creating replicable frameworks that not only address immediate needs but also establish lasting systemic improvements, strengthening local capacities and guiding health responses in the region.
In partnership with WHO and other NSAs, PAS Center implemented impactful projects across the EECA region, addressing TB and HIV challenges. A notable example is the TB-REP programs implemented during 2016-2021, financed by TGF co-designed with WHO to ensure alignment with End TB Strategy and regional health priorities, , where PAS Center served as the PR and WHO/Europe as the SR. These programs, implemented in 11 countries, aimed to develop and implement people-centered TB care models to transform regional TB responses.
TB-REP 1 was focused on replicating effective, people-centered care models by supporting high-level policy dialogues, capacity building, advocating for sustainable financing. Countries received tailored assistance to develop and implement roadmaps for TB control, while inter-country collaboration promoted policy alignment and knowledge sharing.
Building on this foundation, TB-REP 2 expanded the focus, engaging communities and civil society to improve TB detection and care outcomes. This phase prioritized integrated, people-centered care, especially for key populations facing the highest TB burdens. The projects engaged a wide range of partners at regional level, such as WHO/Europe, TBEC, TB People and Global TB Caucus, as well as the country level: Ministries of Health, NTPs, civil society and affected communities’ organizations.
These initiatives illustrated how structured collaboration can reduce TB incidence and mortality, advance policy reforms, and ensure that care models are effective and sustainable. The partnership framework outlined specific roles, with WHO providing technical guidance, and the PAS Center leading on-the-ground implementation. Shared governance structures, including steering committees and regular coordination meetings, helped guide project decisions and maintain accountability.
Together, we have managed to bring about positive changes in health
Within other ongoing project focused on sustaining HIV services for vulnerable groups across EECA region, also financed by TGF, through Alliance for Public Health Ukraine. We are collaborating to integrate HIV self-testing and community-based testing into national policies, in line with the latest WHO recommendations. This approach aims to eliminate service barriers for key populations and promote sustainable services.
Under KNCV Foundation's leadership, WHO/Europe and PAS Center applied for USAID funding for the Regional Approaches for Eradicating TB (RAFET) project in five Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. This project started in October and aims to enhance regional collaboration and strengthen country-level technical capacity by developing a platform that shares experiences, best practices, and effective models.
In addition, a close collaboration with WHO and other NSA we have within the national grants in Moldova to support National Programs in TB and HIV.
Several key lessons have emerged from these projects. First, an open, consistent communication and mutual trust is essential - not just within WHO but across all partners. Working with diverse partners from government agencies to civil society and international organizations—has shown us the power of inclusivity and the importance of valuing each partner's expertise.
Second, it is crucial to define clear roles and establish joint governance, as regular meetings and shared accountability enhance collaborative structures.
Third, engaging Member States is vital; by co-developing advocacy plans, countries can align their policies and funding with WHO’s objectives, thereby amplifying their impact. Sustainable funding partnerships and coordinated agenda setting is crucial for maintaining consistent support and adapting to evolving health challenges. Additionally, clear channels for accessing funding opportunities can make a significant difference, by understanding how to connect effectively needs with funding sources for long-term health impacts.
By prioritizing transparency, regular communication, and shared responsibility, we've been able to drive positive changes together that improve health outcomes across the EECA region.
We are committed to expanding health services for a rapid response in crisis situations
Looking ahead, we are focusing on strengthening partnerships and increasing NSAs involvement in health governance. This means creating more platforms for NSA participation in decision-making and frameworks to ensure interventions are tailored to local needs.
We are also committed to scale up health services for rapid crisis response and strengthen public health systems, especially in underserved areas, while also building resilience through partnerships with the private sector to support innovative financing.
Promoting health equity and social justice is another priority, where NSAs playing a vital role in addressing social determinants of health and guiding targeted interventions.
Additionally, by leveraging digital health tools and addressing the health impacts of climate change, we can promote universal health coverage and extend essential services to marginalized communities.
With NSA-led advocacy, we will support Member States in adopting WHO-aligned policies that prioritize health equity and access for all.