Serbia to Boost Response to Non-Communicable Diseases, Improve Health Outcomes with $75 Million World Bank Loan

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved today a $75 million loan to Serbia for a Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Prevention and Control Project to assist the country’s efforts to enhance prevention and management of NCDs and improve health outcomes for its population.

Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are responsible for more than three-quarters of all deaths in Serbia. Moreover, out-of-pocket expenditures remain significant, as patients pay for private laboratory, diagnostic services and specialist consultations that are often not immediately available in the public sector.

“This project aims to improve health outcomes for many Serbian citizens, through better prevention and management of non-communicable diseases,” said Nicola Pontara, World Bank Country Manager for Serbia. “The activities of the project will be carried out both at the primary health care level and in hospitals but will also cover hard-to-reach areas.’’

One of the objectives of the project is to enhance the competence and accountability of health service providers. For the general population, bolstering prevention and management of NCDs will be achieved through increased screening for early detection of colon cancer and blood testing for routine management of diabetes and hypertension. The focus on improving the quality of chemotherapy will also offer cancer patients a standard of care and treatments that can improve the quality of their lives.