TIRANA, June 23 /ATA/ A two-day international conference on public health and the environment has brought together researchers, experts, and institutional representatives from Albania and other countries at the Academy of Sciences.
The event is organised by the Academy of Sciences of Albania through its Research Centre for Biotechnology and Genetics and the “Hydro power” research unit, in cooperation with George Mason University and the Ramazzini Institute.
The fourth edition of the event aims to promote scientific dialogue and international cooperation in the fields of public health and the environment, addressing the impact of environmental quality and climate change on human health.
Academician Besnik Bare, head of the “Hydro power” research unit, described the conference as essential, highlighting its focus on current challenges related to environmental quality, climate change, and their impact on human health.
Vasil Tole, Deputy Chair of the Academy of Sciences of Albania, underlined that the shared objective of the conference is to strengthen scientific understanding and cooperation in addressing global challenges that threaten health and the environment.
He highlighted the close link between environmental quality and population health, stressing that air and water pollution, food safety, climate change, and emerging infectious diseases are no longer isolated issues, but interconnected challenges requiring coordinated responses at scientific, institutional, and societal levels.
He noted that the topics addressed, such as air, water and food quality, as well as public health policies, reflect the complexity of contemporary challenges and the need for interdisciplinary research. He expressed confidence that the conference presentations and discussions will generate new ideas and inform policies capable of improving environmental quality and protecting public health.
Vasil Tole also extended particular thanks to Prof. Dr. Melissa J. Perry, Dean of the School of Public Health at George Mason University, for her vision and continued support in advancing this important scientific partnership, as well as to all participants for their contributions.
Academician Anila Hoda, Scientific Secretary of the Academy of Sciences, on behalf of the Presidency, awarded Prof. Dr. Melissa J. Perry the diploma “Honor of the Academy.”
Prof. Dr. Perry expressed deep gratitude and extended her thanks, further noting that Albania is an exceptional country and that it is natural to work together to raise awareness on environmental and occupational health issues. She highlighted the role of the conference in linking a healthy environment with a healthy population, describing it as an issue that is receiving increasing international attention.
The Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection, Eugena Tomini, thanked the organisers and underlined that the environmental crisis and climate change are having a profound impact on human health. She noted that a healthy environment could prevent nearly one quarter of the total burden of disease.
The Rector of the University of Medicine, Xheladin Draçini, said that the impact of environmental change, urbanisation, and social factors is becoming increasingly significant for public health, while scientific research remains the most powerful tool for sustainable and evidence-based solutions. He stressed that the link between environment and public health requires a multidisciplinary approach and cooperation among researchers, healthcare professionals, biologists, environmental specialists, and policymakers.
On the other hand, the Director of the National Food Authority (AKU), Blerina Gjylameti, stressed the importance of cross-sectoral intersection, noting that the “One Health” approach should focus on the root causes, including the impact of the environment on food systems and public health.
Similarly, environmental specialist at the Ministry of Environment, Klodiana Marika, pointed to the need for intersectoral cooperation and coordinated action on water and air quality, as well as on the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity.
/sm/
