OREANDA-NEWS. August 13, 2010. International seminar cooperation between the Republic of Karelia and Finalnd and exchange of experience in the sphere of disease prevention was held in Pitkaranta, and Elmira Zilber, Acting Minister of Health and Social Development, took part in it. Her statement was devoted to issues of health of the population and tasks for development of the sphere of public health services of the republic.

Heads of municipal public health institutions of Pitkaranta, Lahdenpohja, Sortavala and Suojarvi regions, Health Centers, representatives of the National Institute of Health and Social Welfare of Finland participated in the seminar.

Сooperation between Karelia and the National Institute of Health and Social Welfare of Finland has been supported for more than 15 years. Within this period in territory of the republic it has been implemented more than 20 projects, Days of Medicine have become a tradition, scientific research is carried out along with training of experts and practical actions directed on prevention of diseases and promotion of health.

In 2010 Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Republic of Karelia has launched a Prevention of HIV among Women of Reproductive Age in the Republic of Karelia in 2010-2012 project at participation of the National Institute of Health and Social Welfare of Finland.

Pekka Puska, Executive Director of the National Institute of Health and Social Welfare, spoke about global situation in the sphere of public health services and tasks for the future.