Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment Programs in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Deadline: 08-Apr-2026

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) is funding a €2,000,000 initiative to strengthen breast cancer prevention and treatment services across Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project focuses on expanding mammography screening, improving healthcare provider skills, and fostering regional collaboration to ensure broader access to preventive and treatment services for women.

Program Overview

The AICS Breast Cancer Initiative aims to enhance health system capacity and service quality for breast cancer prevention and treatment. Key goals include:

• Strengthening decentralized health systems to deliver adequate mammography screening and treatment services

• Improving healthcare provider skills in prevention and early detection

• Developing an effective screening program with broad geographic coverage

• Fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among healthcare professionals

• Leveraging expertise from previous successful projects to scale services nationally

Background and Rationale

The initiative builds on the success of project AID 011861/01/0, which established the first mammography screening service in Zenica-Doboj Canton. The current project extends these services to additional regions, including:

• Una-Sana Canton

• Bosnia-Podrinje Canton

• Tuzla Canton

• Republika Srpska

• Zenica-Doboj Canton (continuing operations)

The expansion responds to local authority requests and ensures that more women across Bosnia and Herzegovina have access to preventive care and cancer treatment services.

Key Activities

1. Healthcare Provider Training:

   • Upskilling professionals in breast cancer screening and treatment

   • Knowledge transfer from previously trained providers in Zenica-Doboj

   • Collaboration with oncology centers in other cantons

2. Screening and Treatment Program Development:

   • Establishing or strengthening mammography screening services

   • Ensuring broad geographic coverage to reach more women

   • Integration of previous project expertise to standardize practices

3. Capacity Building and Collaboration:

   • Creating networks for healthcare providers to share experience and best practices

   • Encouraging cooperation among regions to improve cancer care consistency

4. Project Management and Implementation:

   • Funded through Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), either independently or as part of Temporary Associations for Purposes (ATS)

   • Selection based on submitted project proposals and supporting documentation

Funding Details

• Total allocation: €2,000,000

• Eligible applicants: CSOs or ATS capable of implementing healthcare projects in multiple regions

• Purpose: Strengthen breast cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment services

Who is Eligible?

• Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina

• CSOs may act independently or form Temporary Associations for Purposes (ATS)

• Organizations with demonstrated experience in healthcare service delivery, training, or cancer prevention programs

Why It Matters

This initiative addresses critical gaps in breast cancer prevention and treatment, including:

• Limited access to screening and treatment services outside major urban centers

• Insufficient healthcare provider training in some regions

• Lack of coordinated, nationwide breast cancer prevention programs

• Ensuring equitable access to preventive care for women across Bosnia and Herzegovina

How to Apply / Submission Process

1. Prepare Project Proposal: Include detailed project plan, objectives, activities, and expected outcomes

2. Include Attachments: Provide organizational documents, proof of experience, and partnership details if forming an ATS

3. Submit Proposal: Follow AICS submission guidelines for selection consideration

4. Evaluation: Proposals assessed based on alignment with program goals, capacity, geographic coverage, and potential impact

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete proposals or missing required documentation

• Failing to demonstrate capacity or experience in healthcare delivery

• Overlooking regional collaboration or knowledge transfer plans

• Not clearly defining expected outcomes and impact on women’s health

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the total funding for the initiative?
   €2,000,000 allocated for breast cancer prevention and treatment projects.

2. Which regions are included in the program?
   Zenica-Doboj, Una-Sana, Bosnia-Podrinje, Tuzla, and Republika Srpska.

3. Who can implement the project?
   Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), independently or as part of Temporary Associations for Purposes (ATS).

4. What are the main objectives?
   Enhancing screening and treatment services, training healthcare providers, and fostering regional collaboration.

5. How should proposals be submitted?
   According to AICS guidelines, with all required attachments and detailed project plans.

6. What type of healthcare expertise is needed?
   Experience in breast cancer prevention, mammography screening, oncology treatment, or health system capacity building.

7. Why is this initiative important?
   It improves access to preventive and treatment services, strengthens healthcare capacity, and reduces barriers for women across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Conclusion

The AICS-funded Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment Initiative expands access to high-quality, safe, and inclusive healthcare services in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By strengthening screening programs, training healthcare providers, and fostering cross-regional collaboration, the project ensures that more women benefit from early detection and treatment, improving health outcomes and promoting equitable access to care nationwide.

For more information, visit Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.