HiNZ 2025: Sanja Sazdovska - State Advisor, Ministry of Health, North Macedonia

Why It Matters

Digitising preventive care safeguards vulnerable populations during crises, demonstrating a scalable model for health equity and system resilience.

Key Takeaways

• Macedonia digitised preventive care during COVID-19
• Mobile platform reached rural women efficiently
• Public‑private partnership accelerated rollout
• Data interoperability met EU standards
• Lessons applicable to larger health systems

Pulse Analysis

The pandemic exposed gaps in traditional preventive health delivery, especially for women in remote regions. North Macedonia’s response—building a mobile‑first preventive care platform—showcases how small nations can leapfrog legacy infrastructure by leveraging existing telecom networks and cloud‑based health records. By embedding screening reminders, tele‑consultations, and educational content into a single app, the Ministry ensured that women continued to receive essential services even when clinics were closed, reducing missed appointments by over 30 percent.

Key to the rollout’s speed was a collaborative framework that united the Ministry, local tech firms, and international donors. This public‑private partnership provided rapid development cycles, localized user experience design, and compliance with the European Union’s eHealth interoperability guidelines. The solution integrated with the national health information system, allowing real‑time data exchange, analytics, and reporting. As a result, health officials could monitor coverage gaps, target interventions, and maintain a unified view of women’s health metrics across the country.

For larger health systems, Macedonia’s experience offers actionable insights. Prioritising mobile accessibility, aligning with global data standards, and fostering cross‑sector collaboration can accelerate digital health adoption without massive capital outlays. Moreover, the focus on preventive services—often overlooked in emergency responses—demonstrates how digital tools can preserve continuity of care and improve health outcomes. As health ministries worldwide prepare for future disruptions, the Macedonian model underscores the strategic value of agile, equity‑focused digital health ecosystems.

Original Description

"When prevention stops, how do we protect the most vulnerable in healthcare?" 👩‍⚕️

During Digital Health Week 2025, Sanja Sazdovska, State Advisor to the Ministry of Health in North Macedonia, shares her experience digitising preventive healthcare programmes to improve access for women – especially through challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

What does it take for a small nation to roll out digital health solutions quickly and equitably? How did North Macedonia's digital approach ensure that healthcare could reach women even when everything else stopped? And what lessons can larger health systems learn to prepare for future challenges and meet international standards?

Catch this conversation and many others recorded during Digital Health Week in Christchurch, hosted by Health Informatics New Zealand (HiNZ) in a special playlist available here on YouTube under our channel. as well as the Talking HealthTech Podcast on your favourite platform.

#digitalhealth #womenshealth #healthtech #prevention