TIRANA, April 21 /ATA/ – Albania and Italy have signed a memorandum of cooperation in public health, taking a new step towards strengthening bilateral ties through formalized partnership between the Institute of Public Health and Italy’s Istituto Superiore di Sanità.
Health Minister Evis Sala said on Tuesday that the agreement establishes a clear framework for cooperation in key areas including epidemiological surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, environmental health, food safety and non-communicable diseases, with a focus on innovation and technology.
She said the partnership would enhance the health system’s capacity to respond to current and future challenges, highlighting a “One Health” approach that links human, environmental and animal health.
Sala also announced plans for a new laboratory complex integrating infectious and non-infectious disease labs, including two high-level biosafety laboratories, aimed at strengthening research and emergency response in line with European standards.
Italian Ambassador to Albania, Marco Alberti welcomed the deepening strategic cooperation in healthcare, noting the memorandum forms part of a broader intergovernmental framework.
ISS President Rocco Bellantone said the agreement builds on longstanding collaboration, providing a renewed structure and forward-looking work programme.
The memorandum is also expected to support professional development through staff training, exchange of expertise and joint programmes, boosting institutional capacity in public health.
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