Brunilda Hylviu1, Juna Mali1
1Albanian Center for Population and Development, Tirana, Albania.
Background: State provides the majority of health services in promotion, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Access to quality services includes HIV treatment, abortion, gender-based violence and comprehensive sexual education. Violence based prevention services/care centers for abused women. UHC is integrated in the Albanian National Health Strategy 2016–2021, as a means of achieving Sustainable Development Goals. 2.6% of the GDP is partially financed by compulsory health insurance.
Introduction: ACPD clinical centers in Vlora (1998), Tirana Center “Po (2000)” and Trokitja Center in Shkodra (2001) have contributed to: Advocacy for laws and approval of the national strategies on Gender Equality, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment and sexual and reproductive health. The Ministry of Health’s Emergency Platform includes a reproductive health strategy on the Minimum Initial Service Package and compiled and updated guidelines and protocols for safe abortion, family planning, youth friendly services, cervical cancer and antiretroviral medicines.
Results: Approximately 88 000 reproductive health care services were provided throughout 2016 to 2018. 422 services related to sexual and gender-based violence were provided during 2018, service providers raised capacity to provide quality care during the 2014-2018 periods. Comprehensive sexual education program for group ages 10-19: 400% increases in young people, women, and girls reporting rights violations due to awareness on their rights.
Conclusion: Promotion of political dialogue and public support in improving the health care quality and standards. Increasing access to health services for vulnerable populations. Changing health services financing method from contribution system to general taxation system. Inclusion of a specific budget on sexual and reproductive health.
Keywords: reproductive health, sexual health, youth services.