Postpartum depression affects one in five women, yet half of them never receive the help they need. It is the most common psychological disorder after childbirth and can seriously jeopardize the mental health of the mother, the development of the child, and the functioning of the entire family. Although this issue impacts a significant number of women, systemic support in Bosnia and Herzegovina is still not equally available across all parts of the country.

Republika Srpska – A Model of What Is Possible and Necessary

In this entity, the postpartum depression screening program in primary healthcare centers was continued in June 2025. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Republika Srpska adopted a new Mental Health Promotion Program for the 2025–2027 period, along with an accompanying Action Plan. This means that at least ten local communities will regularly implement screening using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, a brief and reliable questionnaire that helps in the early detection of symptoms of depression and anxiety in mothers.

Federation of BiH – Still Without a Systematic Approach

Unlike RS, the Federation of BiH still lacks a mandatory and uniform postpartum depression screening system. While some healthcare professionals recognize the importance of early detection, in practice, screening is not part of standard postpartum care. As a result, many women are left without support at a time when they need it most.

Brčko District of BiH – Also on Hold

In this part of BiH as well, concrete solutions and measures are still pending. The implementation of screening requires the harmonization of procedures, the development of relevant documentation, and the political will to make it part of the women’s mental health protection system.

Aware of the lack of systemic solutions, organizations from different parts of BiH have come together to initiate institutional changes. The campaign “Advocating for the Introduction of Postpartum Depression Screening in BiH” is implemented with PRAGG support by EKO EHO – Center for Education and Promotion of Healthy Living, in cooperation with partner organizations: the Association for Education and Development "Dignitet" from Mostar, the Association of Families Facing Infertility "Bebe" from Trebinje, and the Association of Active Women "Gender" from Brčko.

As part of the campaign, an official initiative was submitted to the Federal Ministry of Health, requesting the introduction of mandatory postpartum depression screening in healthcare institutions across FBiH. In Brčko District of BiH, meetings were held with representatives of the Health Department, who expressed openness and readiness to initiate this process. Healthcare professionals and parents in Brčko also voiced their interest and recognized the need to make screening a regular practice in medical facilities.

The goal is to ensure that screening, which is already being implemented in Republika Srpska, is introduced in the Federation of BiH and Brčko District as well—so that all women have equal rights and access to mental health protection.

The introduction of regular, mandatory screening across all parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, specifically in primary healthcare centers in FBiH and Brčko District, should not be a matter of political will, but a standard of healthcare. Early screening not only protects the mental health of mothers but also safeguards entire families. It enables timely support and prevents serious consequences.