Albania

Albania’s National Health Strategy (NHS) 2021–2030 provides a structured approach to strengthening the healthcare system, improving service accessibility, and advancing universal health coverage. The strategy builds upon previous reforms and aligns with EU integration objectives, emphasizing efficiency, equity, and financial sustainability. It outlines five key policy goals: investing in population health, achieving universal health coverage, strengthening integrated healthcare services, improving emergency preparedness, and advancing digital health transformation. Significant progress has been made in expanding primary healthcare, vaccination programs, and maternal and child health initiatives. However, challenges persist, particularly in healthcare financing, as high out-of-pocket expenditures continue to limit equitable access. Governance reforms have improved transparency and accountability, but further efforts are needed to enhance efficiency and resource allocation. The health workforce remains a critical issue, with shortages in specialized personnel and uneven distribution across regions affecting service quality, especially in rural areas. The strategy also addresses the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health concerns, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Public health interventions focus on preventive care, lifestyle modifications, and strengthened regulatory frameworks. Investments in health information systems and digitalization are underway, but full integration of e-health and telemedicine services remains a work in progress. While Albania’s response to health emergencies has improved, additional funding and capacity-building are required to ensure a robust and coordinated approach to pandemic preparedness. Despite these challenges, the NHS 2021–2030 provides a solid framework for Albania’s health sector. Continued investment, governance improvements, and alignment with EU health policies will be critical in achieving sustainable healthcare reforms and equitable service delivery​.