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Mental health care is one such area. In 2014, the Concept for the Transformation 
of Psychiatric Care in Czech Republic was approved and the situation in  
the field of care for the mentally ill began to transform gradually, but achieving 
the desired state of care in the area of finance remains a matter for the next 
few years. Mental diseases are accompanied by high stigma, both in prevention 
and in the approach to the ill, and even by the public. Improving the provision 
of psychiatric care services and the destigmatisation of mental diseases was 
one of the main objectives of the CZ11 Programme.

The Norway Grants supported the area of mental health care. The funds  
were invested in large hospitals and clinics, which enabled implementing  
a comprehensive method of treatment and preparation of patients for their 
return to normal life. The non-profit organisations that provide follow-up care 
and reduce the negative perceptions of people with mental illness were also 
supported. A real transformation is taking place in this area with a reduction 
of the stigma not only among the general public but also among physicians 
and medical staff.

Another objective was to improve the health of the child population. The health 
state of the young generation and the care for it reflect the social and cultural 
level of each developed country. The Czech Republic is at a high level in  
the area of childcare but the number of birth defects, allergic diseases and 
mental retardation is still rising. The number of serious injuries in children 
and adolescents is considerably increasing. Generally, the care of children 
receives more attention than in the past but it still requires expensive medical 
equipment and strengthening prevention. 

Childcare is the second supported area. The Norway Grants supported the 
projects that focused on preventing injuries in young children, the prevention 
of the consequences of diseases and health problems, as well as care for 
children with rare diseases.