The complex responsibility of national public health associations: A case from Serbia

The rapidly evolving landscape of public health challenges requires national public health associations (NPHA) to take leadership and play a multifaceted role (1). NPHAs usually serve as primary non-governmental advocates for population health and manage complex intersections of policy, education, and community engagement to address both traditional and emerging public health threats. One of their key roles is to shape strategies that promote equitable access to healthcare, thereby significantly impacting public health outcomes. NPHAs exert their influence across local, regional, and global levels, advancing global health agendas. The establishment of the Serbian Public Health Association (SPHA) in 2003 was a significant milestone in the country's public health history. SPHA added new value to traditional partnerships for public health, led by the Network of Institutes of Public Health, along with the Serbian Medical Chamber, academic institutions, United Nations agencies, Serbian Medical Society, civil society organizations, and interested groups and individuals. SPHA has been active in various public health areas, including strengthening community resilience by supporting families and visiting nurses, promoting the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing continuous medical education, and facilitating public dialogue on health reforms. Today, SPHA is a national, not-for-profit association of current and future public health professionals and other individuals devoted to promoting scientific evidence and multidisciplinary collaboration in health promotion and protection (2). SPHA is a permanent member of the European Public Health Association and the World Federation of Public Health Associations (3). It brings together 96 members of public health practitioners from various backgrounds and affiliations, working together to protect and improve the health of all individuals and reduce health inequalities.