Remarks on Reproductive Health in Albania

Remarks of USAID/Albania Mission Director Roberta Mahoney
Mass Media Launch, “For Happy Moments”
April 9, 2009

Minister Godo, Dr. Berisha, honorable guests, welcome and thank you for attending the launch of USAID’s newest program in Albania.

Tuesday was World Health Day and across the globe efforts are being made to raise awareness around important public health issues such as family planning and reproductive health.

The mass media campaign, For Happy Moments, which we will unveil today, is part of a larger USAID-funded family planning program being implemented nationwide to foster a healthier and happier way of life for Albanians.

The goals of the program are to increase the use by young men and women of contemporary contraceptive methods and reduce dependency on traditional forms of family planning.

The program is focused on changing beliefs and behaviors, primarily among young men and women ages 18 to 35, in order to foster a healthier and happier way of life.

The program is also working with the media, pharmacists and university students to provide information on contemporary contraceptive methods and counter misconceptions that may exist.

USAID/Albania has supported family planning communication activities over the years through several health projects.

USAID’s ACCESS-FP program has a similar objective, supporting the Ministry of Health’s efforts to improve maternal and reproductive health in Albania, as well as increase knowledge, access and use of contemporary methods of contraception.

USAID’s Pro-Shëndetit, now in its sixth and final year has worked with the Ministry of Health, Institute of Public Health, the Health Insurance Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Order of Physicians and local government health authorities to improve multiple aspects of primary health care in Albania—from financing to continuing education for physicians.

Together with the stakeholders at all levels across Albania engaged in family planning related activities, we hope to increase knowledge and use of contemporary contraceptives throughout Albania.

Much remains to be done. As Albania continues on its path towards greater European integration, significant investments must be made to improve the standards of Albania’s health system.

The U.S. Mission in Albania, through USAID, is pleased to work closely with the Government of Albania to support health reform efforts that will build an integrated primary health care system capable of responding to both the basic health needs of the population, including reproductive health, as well as major public health threats.

We congratulate the Ministry of Health for supporting this campaign and look forward to future discussion and collaboration on this effort.