JemsHealthySteps
Priority Axis 3: Accessible and resilient health services
Operation start date: 1 July 2026
Operation completion date: 30 June 2028
Budget: EUR 1.381.972,06
Number of partners: 5
Operation purpose and expected achievements:
The HealthySteps project aims to improve public health and promote healthy lifestyles in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro by strengthening community-based obesity prevention and encouraging regular physical activity and healthy nutrition. The project addresses common cross-border challenges related to the growing prevalence of obesity and other non-communicable diseases, limited access to preventive health programmes, insufficient recreational infrastructure, and the underuse of digital health tools. Planned activities include the establishment of cardiovascular trails and sports infrastructure, the development of the HealthySteps digital platform and mobile application, the implementation of physical activity and nutrition workshops for different age groups, the organisation of public awareness events, and the preparation of a Joint Obesity Prevention Plan based on local assessments and standardised health indicators. Through pilot investments, digital innovation, capacity-building activities, and cross-border knowledge exchange, the project will strengthen the capacities of local authorities, healthcare institutions, and community organisations to implement sustainable preventive health measures, promote healthy lifestyles, reduce obesity-related health risks, and contribute to more resilient healthcare systems across the Programme area.
Beneficiaries:
The Lead Partner (LP), Municipality of Kotor (ME), is responsible for the overall coordination and management of the project. It oversees project implementation, financial and administrative management, partner coordination, reporting, quality assurance, and cross-border cooperation. The Municipality coordinates the implementation of joint project activities, supervises pilot investments, supports the development of the HealthySteps digital platform and the Joint Obesity Prevention Plan, and ensures the long-term sustainability and transferability of project results across the Programme area.
The City of Lipik (HR) is responsible for implementing pilot activities in Croatia aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing obesity. It carries out local infrastructure investments, organises physical activity and nutrition workshops, coordinates public awareness and community engagement activities, participates in cross-border knowledge exchange, and contributes to the implementation of the HealthySteps digital platform and the Joint Obesity Prevention Plan.
Toplice Lipik – Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation (HR) provides professional medical expertise for the project. The Hospital leads the development of the Joint Obesity Prevention Plan, supports the design and implementation of preventive health programmes, conducts medical gymnastics and nutrition-related educational activities, participates in monitoring and evaluating project results, and contributes to strengthening preventive healthcare capacities through evidence-based approaches.
The City of Daruvar (HR) is responsible for implementing local pilot activities focused on obesity prevention and healthy lifestyles. It renovates facilities within the Sokol Sports Centre, establishes a cardiovascular trail equipped with QR codes, organises sports and nutrition workshops for children, youth, and adults, conducts public health events and local awareness campaigns, contributes to the HealthySteps digital platform, and supports the preparation of the Joint Obesity Prevention Plan through local assessments and monitoring activities.
Development-Guarantee Fund of Brčko District (BA) is responsible for implementing pilot activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and coordinating the project’s communication and visibility activities. It establishes a cardiovascular trail, organises sports and nutrition workshops, develops the HealthySteps mobile application linked to all cardiovascular trails, leads the central communication campaign, contributes local data for the Joint Obesity Prevention Plan, supports the HealthySteps digital platform with local content, and promotes the long-term sustainability and wider replication of project results across the Programme area.