Health and Social Welfare Minister Klodiana Spahiu received the certification during her first meeting in Albania with the new head of the WHO country office, Dr Fabio Scano, on Tuesday.

Scano presented Spahiu with the ETAGE certification, issued by WHO/Europe, confirming that Albania has achieved the European targets for hepatitis B control through immunisation.

The meeting also covered priorities including improving and protecting public health, strengthening the healthcare system and primary care, disease prevention, mental health, hospital reform and healthcare staffing, the ministry said.

Spahiu said the two sides had also discussed two strategic areas of cooperation, including a planned joint WHO-Ministry of Health project focused on public health in the Western Balkans.

“A joint WHO and Ministry of Health and Social Welfare project for public health in the Western Balkans will begin. This initiative, discussed at the highest level of cooperation between Albania and WHO/Europe, would be particularly important for strengthening Albania’s subregional role in public health,” Spahiu said.

She also highlighted cooperation with WHO in the context of Albania’s European integration in healthcare, particularly technical support to align health policies, legislation and the regulatory framework with EU legislation and standards.

Spahiu wished Scano success in his new role and reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with WHO.

/e.i/r.e/a.f/u.sh/