North Macedonia, an Eastern European nation of 1.836 million inhabitants, has a growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). An aging population and high levels of NCD risk factors are mainly responsible, with tobacco, raised blood pressure, and unhealthy diets driving mortality and...

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the significance of national and local actors in responding to health emergencies, prompting a reevaluation of public health paradigms. Prior to the pandemic, effective healthcare systems relied on coordinated and robust institutions to optimize resource...