Tirana, Albania – 04.02.2025 – The South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Albania held a high-level meeting to strengthen Albania’s role in regional health collaboration. The discussions, led by Deputy Minister Mr. Niko Hyka, with Dr Tatiana Paduraru, Acting Head, SEEHN Secretariat, focused on deepening cooperation on:
- Enhancing Regional Cooperation in Public Health
- Setting Strategic Health Priorities for the Future
- Ensuring Sustainable Funding and Resource Mobilization
- Strengthening Governance and Albania’s Role in SEEHN
- Reinforcing Commitment to Regional Health Agreements (signing the Belgrade Pledge)
During the meeting, SEEHN representatives commended Albania’s active participation in the network and acknowledged the contributions of key public health experts, including former National Health Coordinator (NHC) Ms Mejvis Kola, NHC Mr Niko Hyka, NHC Alternate Ms Alida Mici, RHDC on Communicable Diseases Director Prof. Dr. Silvia Bino, and Ms Ledia Agolli.
A significant focus of the dialogue was on ensuring the financial sustainability of SEEHN. Both sides explored mechanisms to strengthen Albania’s financial engagement, while also identifying alternative funding opportunities through EU health programs and strategic partnerships.
Albania’s representation in SEEHN’s Executive Committee was also a key point of discussion, emphasizing the importance of strong governance and regional health diplomacy. SEEHN reiterated its commitment to supporting Albania’s leadership in advancing shared health goals: especially advancing digital health, join procurement opportunities.
Additionally, discussions addressed Albania’s signing of the Belgrade Pledge, a commitment to reinforcing regional cooperation in public health. SEEHN representatives welcomed Albania’s consideration of this important step, which would further solidify its role in shaping the network’s future initiatives.
“Albania has been a valued and active member of SEEHN, and its leadership is crucial to the success of regional health efforts,” said Dr Paduraru, SEEHN Representative. “Today’s discussions reaffirm our shared commitment to strengthening public health systems, ensuring financial sustainability, and advancing key health priorities for the region.”- concluded Mr Niko Hyka, Deputy Minister of Health of Albania.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to enhancing Albania’s engagement in SEEHN’s governance, financing, and strategic initiatives, paving the way for a more resilient and cooperative regional health landscape.
