Representatives from Bergen University - partner of the project "Healthier and safer life of Biržai youth!" - visited Biržai

Ragnhild Sollesnes and Agnes Giertsen, professors at the Bergen University Health faculty Nursing Institute, visited Biržai. A. Giertsen is also the head of the youth health center of the city of Bergen (Norway).

During the visit, the representatives of Bergen University visited healthcare institutions of  Biržai, the Biržai regional municipality's public health bureau, and the Biržai open youth space (next to which a youth-friendly health service coordination center will be opened) to learn about all of these institutions' activities.

The guests also shared their positive experiences, presented the activity of the Bergen youth health center and delivered presentations on the reduction of the negative health effects of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies and on the reduction of health disorders related to weight, obesity, and physical inactivity.

Project manager Merūnas Jukonis, who is the Biržai regional municipality's youth affairs coordinator, presented the project's activities that had been completed, are under implementation or will be implemented. The municipal administration's senior health specialist (the municipal doctor) Kęstutis Knizikevičius presented the health situation in Biržai. The Biržai regional municipality's public health bureau also shared their positive experiences and presented the institution's activities. Youth-friendly health care service coordinator Vesta Urvakytė presented the www.sveikatostinklas.lt website, which unites all municipalities participating in the project. This youth-oriented website provides not only news, but also information related to all four youth health algorithms and other information that is relevant for youth.

The representatives of Bergen University were satisfied with their visit and the partnership that had formed. They agreed to continue exchanging information, and the Biržai residents were invited to visit Bergen as well.

The visit was financed by funds from a Norwegian financing mechanism.