On 21–22 January 2026, the final event of the project “Active involvement of communities to improve healthy lifestyle habits” (ActiHealth) took place, marking the conclusion of two years of cooperation between Latvian and Lithuanian partners in the field of public health. The project was implemented by the Akmenė Public Health Bureau (Lithuania) and the Daugavpils City Municipality (Latvia) within the framework of the Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027.
The aim of the project was to improve public health monitoring and health promotion approaches by building on the experience and good practices of both countries. During the project, the capacity of health promotion specialists was strengthened, new methodologies were developed, and various groups of society – youth, seniors, and families – were actively engaged.
“This project proves that cross-border cooperation is not merely a formal partnership, but a practical tool that helps municipalities find more effective solutions for strengthening public health. We gained not only new methodologies but also a strong cooperation network,” emphasizes a representative of the Daugavpils City Municipality.
Over the course of the project, 14 training and experience-exchange events were implemented, youth summer camps were organised (a total of 8 camps with more than 160 participants), senior health retreats were held, and joint sports and active leisure events took place in Latvia and Lithuania. These activities demonstrated that physical activity, education, and community engagement are closely linked to residents’ well-being and quality of life.
“The opportunity to combine different approaches – the experience of Lithuania’s public health bureau system with the practical work of Latvian municipalities – was particularly valuable. This synergy made it possible to create solutions that are adaptable and sustainable,” notes a representative of the Akmenė Public Health Bureau.
One of the most significant outcomes of the project is the development of a public health monitoring methodology and a communication toolkit for resident engagement. These tools will help municipalities systematically collect and analyse health data, plan preventive measures in a targeted manner, and more effectively reach different groups of society.
“The tools developed during the project provide practical support for daily work and help to make data-driven decisions. This is an important step towards a more targeted and effective public health policy at the municipal level,” stresses a project partner representative.
At the final event, project partners presented the achieved results, shared their experience of cross-border cooperation, and outlined next steps for continued collaboration after the project’s conclusion. The partners emphasize that the established cooperation and accumulated knowledge will continue to serve as a foundation for promoting healthy, active, and socially engaged communities in Daugavpils and the Akmenė region.
