TIRANA, Feb 27 /ATA/ Minister of Health and Social Protection, Albana Koçiu, participated on Tuesday in the launch of the European Union program, “EU for Social Care”, which is implemented by UNICEF Albania and World Vision, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.
In her remarks, Minister Koçiu said that “our cooperation is long-term and has delivered excellent results, both in the advancement of reforms in the field of social protection, as well as in the identification of the need to continue this strategic partnership in the process of alignment with the standards of the EU.”
The minister underlined the fact that only three months ago the European Commission adopted the Enlargement Package and Growth Plan for WB, the most ambitious package that aims to expand twofold the dimensions of economies in 10 years.
She stated that the support of the European Union delegation in Albania through the Social Inclusion program is very important in the follow-up to reforms in the field of Social Protection.
“Just a week ago, 15 municipalities of the country signed a pact to expand with 15 new social services the coverage for communities in need. Today, the entire territory of the country is covered with social services provided by all administrative units,” Koçiu said.
The minister said that thanks to the continuous increase in support from the state budget and the strengthening of partnerships at the local level, the number of services offered today exceeds 70.
Regarding the “EU for Social Care” project, Koçiu said that it will further strengthen the partnership and capacities of the local government in 14 local units.
“The implementation of this project, which complies with the National Strategy for Social Protection 2014-2030, will directly impact the integration process, increasing the country’s preparation for the full alignment on of chapters 19 and 23,” Minister of Health said.
In conclusion, she emphasized the commitment to continue strengthening cooperation with civil society organizations and international partners.
“The investment for social protection is a long-term and direct investment, which makes it possible for the benefits of European Albania to be fairly distributed to the whole society”, said the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Albana Koçiu.
The project worth 3.1 million euros will support 14 municipalities of the country for a period of 36 months, with the aim of establishing and extending social care services that address the needs and rights of vulnerable groups, such as children with disabilities, women at risk, and young people in difficult situations.
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