The World Health Organization has certified that Albania has met European targets for hepatitis B control through immunisation. Health and Social Welfare Minister Klodiana Spahiu received the ETAGE certificate from Dr. Fabio Scano, the new head of the WHO office in Albania, during their first meeting in the country today. The certificate comes from the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

Spahiu and Scano also discussed priorities including health system strengthening, primary healthcare, disease prevention, mental health, hospital reform and the health workforce. They also discussed plans for a joint WHO-Ministry of Health and Social Welfare project on public health in the Western Balkans. Spahiu said the initiative could strengthen Albania’s subregional role in public health.

Meanwhile, Spahiu highlighted cooperation with WHO on Albania’s European Union integration in healthcare. She said the cooperation would include technical support for aligning health policies, legislation and regulatory frameworks with European Union legislation and relevant standards. Spahiu also wished Scano success in his new position.

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