The Ministry of Health of Slovenia has launched a big new campaign to raise awareness around dementia, cancer and mental health, as well as to diminish the use of alcohol, cigarettes and addictive non-chemicals such as telephones, computers and video games, especially among young people in primary schools. Four celebrities have been chosen to be the faces of the campaign: including a pop singer, an actress who recently had breast cancer and a young “influencer”. In order to successfully promote a healthy lifestyle and key health risk factors in 2023, the Ministry of Health appointed celebrities from the fields of sports, culture and digital media to participate in creating positive stories around preventing the use of alcohol and tobacco among young people, de-stigmatisation of mental health problems, dementia and awareness-raising activities regarding cancer prevention.
The goal of the Campaign is to promote a healthy life style, to raise awareness for prevention and to show that everyone can do something for their health. The first event was organised on 17 February, in Government protocol facilities, with the Minister of Health of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danijel Bešič Loredan (pictured, far right). Štefanija Zlobec, President of Spominčica – Alzheimer Slovenija was in attendance, together with Tomaž Gržinič, who was introduced to the Minister as a former member of the European Working Group of People with Dementia (2017 to 2022) and as Spominčica’s ambassador for dementia. Those present were greeted by the Minister, and emphasised the importance of a healthy lifestyle in maintaining health. The presence of many organisations, societies and associations at the event is a sign that a variety of stakeholders in different sections of society are interested and are ready to participate and support the campaign. The event was also fully supported by the media including TV channels. Spominčica says it will continue to support the promotion of a healthy lifestyle of all age groups, and especially of dementia.
Pictured: (from right to left) Minister for Health of the Republic of Slovenija dr. Danijel Bešič Loredan, Tomaž Gržinič and Štefanija L. Zlobec