# Balkan chronic disease awareness and patient advocacy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-chronic-disease-awareness-and-patient-advocacy
> Updated: 2026-09-26T06:28:18.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

Health organizations across the Balkans continue to conduct awareness campaigns and advocate for improved patient care regarding chronic non-communicable diseases.

In Serbia, the Association of Multiple Myeloma Patients is participating in the European Myeloma Day campaign. Supported by the International Myeloma Foundation and Myeloma Patients Europe, the initiative utilizes a ‘Myeloma Diagnosis Pathway’ to educate general practitioners on recognizing early symptoms to prevent disease progression.

In Croatia, National Multiple Sclerosis Day was observed in Đurđevac under the slogan ‘When support becomes strength’. While organizers noted improvements in treatment and diagnostic accessibility for the more than 8,000 people living with MS in the country, they emphasized the ongoing need for specialized MS centers and the difficulties patients face regarding employment.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Inter-municipal Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Prijedor marked its 70th anniversary during the International Day of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The association highlighted persistent challenges, including employment hurdles and the high cost of medication for elderly members.

## Claims

- More than 8,000 people in Croatia are living with multiple sclerosis. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Employment remains a significant challenge for people with multiple sclerosis in Croatia. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- MS Team Croatia is launching the first community MS center to provide multidisciplinary support and education. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The campaign aims to assist general practitioners and family doctors in recognizing myeloma symptoms earlier. (single source)
- MPE prepared the ‘Myeloma Diagnosis Pathway’ material, which is available in over 15 languages, including Serbian. (single source)
- Delayed diagnosis of multiple myeloma leads to more serious complications and worse patient outcomes. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Health awareness campaigns held across Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia

Health awareness campaigns are underway in Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on multiple myeloma, multiple sclerosis, and support for the deaf and hard of hearing.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/health-awareness-campaigns-launch-for-myeloma-in-serbia-and-ms-in-croatia

### 2026-09-25: Health advocates highlight lung cancer waiting lists and disease prevention

Health advocates in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia highlight the importance of prevention and the challenges of medical waiting lists for lung cancer and chronic diseases.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/health-advocates-highlight-lung-cancer-waiting-lists-and-disease-prevention

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Cite as: Balkan chronic disease awareness and patient advocacy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-chronic-disease-awareness-and-patient-advocacy