Solidar - Health Emergency


Albania suffers from insufficient resources for public health emergencies and poor quality of primary care emergency services. The project aims at supporting the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and non-health actors to establish a sound coordination based on clear regulations and standards for health emergencies. It will also strengthen the capacity of healthcare and enable community initiatives regarding health emergencies preparedness and response. 

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Albania
Health
Health systems strengthening
Primary health care
01.01.2022 - 31.10.2027
CHF  5’370’000
Background
  • The provision of uninterrupted emergency medical service at primary care but also at municipal hospitals is under-funded, inadequately staffed and under equipped. 
  • Inadequate and insufficient training for doctors and nurses for the management of emergencies. Medical emergency guidelines / protocols and/or algorithms do not exist. 
  • Community engagement initiatives regarding health emergencies preparedness and response, are almost completely absent. 
  • The earthquake in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic have sparked increased awareness and sensitivity on disasters and health emergencies. 
  • Both the National Strategy for Development and Integration 2021 – 2030 and the National health strategy 2021 – 2030 set for the first time as a priority the strengthening of the system response to emergencies at local and central level. 
Objectives Improved access of the Albanian population, including the most vulnerable, to quality emergency care services managed by a more resilient health emergency system at all levels.
Target groups
  • Population in 5 selected territorial areas (“TACA regions”, 530’000)
  • PHC doctors and nurses (779)
  • MoHSP, Institute of Public Health, National Medical Emergency Center, Health service erator, Agency of quality assurance, National Center for Civil Protection and local CSOs 
Medium-term outcomes

Outcome 1: Public health actors engage in effective and efficient health emergency preparedness and response.

Outcome 2: Emergency medical services of high quality are available to people in the entire country, in particular at primary healthcare level.

Outcome 3: Citizens and CSOs take an active role and contribute to a constructive dialogue with the Government of Albania to improve the country’s resilience to public health emergencies.

Results

Expected results:  

  • The regulatory framework, standards, and guidelines for health emergencies are updated/revised
  • Roles and responsibilities of primary health care services in the health emergency system are defined
  • The national training system for management of public health emergencies is strengthened
  • The epidemiological surveillance system is strengthened 
  • The network of 24/7 health centers, municipality hospitals is strengthened in delivering emergency services
  • Clinical guidelines and protocols for health emergencies at primary health care level are implemented 
  • Institutional development and capacities of “Together for Life” and other CSOs are strengthened to advocate for a community participatory approach in emergency preparedness and evidence-based health policy development


Results from previous phases:  

  • Communities and institutions rely on central government for support when emergencies occur
  • Need of an after-action review that focuses on bringing together key stakeholders for collective learning, documenting lessons learned and institutionalizing best practices seen during the COVID 19 response 
  • Emergency services at the level of primary health care and municipality hospitals is disregarded by the health insurance and is not properly reported and financed
  • Communities need better education on health emergencies


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Swiss cooperation with Eastern Europe
Project partners Contract partner
Private sector
Foreign state institution
  • Central State of South East
  • Foreign private sector North
  • GFA consulting group (mandate awarded through international tender)


Coordination with other projects and actors Coordination with the two SDC health projects: HAP and Schools for Health will be ensured. 
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    5’370’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    1’804’482 Budget inclusive project partner CHF    5’370’000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF   555’000 Budget inclusive project partner CHF   9’000’000
Project phases Phase 1 01.01.2022 - 31.10.2027   (Current phase)