Remarks at the Launch of the Demographic Health Survey

Remarks of USAID/Albani Mission Director, Roberta Mahoney
Launch of Albania Demographic Health Survey
October 31, 2008

Honorable Minister, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today we officially launch the Albania Demographic Health Survey and with this we take a significant step forward in addressing the challenges in Albania’s health sector.

There is no doubt that Albania has changed dramatically over the last 20 years. These changes have consequently had an effect on the health, welfare, and behaviors of people that live and work here.

We know that in the last twenty years there have been cycles of migration in and out of urban centers; that access to drugs and alcohol among youth and adults has risen; that lifestyle changes have introduced new diseases and threats; couples now have more choices to plan their family size; and that poverty remains in many parts of the country. With all that we know, there remain fundamental questions about the size and nature of these issues.

Without knowledge of the exact nature and scope of these changes, healthcare and social welfare programs may not be effectively and efficiently addressing the most immediate needs of the population.

This is why USAID supports this survey. For almost a decade, USAID’s health programs have advanced health care reforms that support Albania’s public health sector.

We’ve developed standards for primary health care centers, established modern information and data collection systems, cut through some of the red-tape in healthcare financing, and improved the skills of doctors and nurses.

The DHS will take these and future reforms not just one, but several steps further in identifying the needs of the population, so that appropriate policies and programs can be designed and adequate resources can be allocated.

I have been here only a few weeks, but have been told numerous times that Albania’s greatest asset is its people. I agree.

That is why as this country continues with reforms in governance, rule of law, and economic development, it will be important for the Government to increase investments in its workforce, improve the care for its elderly, and protect and support the health and well-being of all women and children.

These increased and sustained investments are integral to Albania’s progress towards EU membership and further Euro-Atlantic integration.

When the findings of the DHS are published next spring, they will be an important tool to guide all of our discussions on future programs and planning for the sector.

I’d like to thank all of the participants, especially the Minister for being here today to support this activity and I look forward to the results of this survey next spring.