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Manastirliu meets WHO Director: Albania committed to pandemic response treaty

Manastirliu meets WHO Director: Albania committed to pandemic response treaty

The Minister of Health and Social Protection Ogerta Manastirliu met today with the General Director of the World Health Organization dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, to strengthen cooperation in pandemic conditions and for coordinated response to health emergencies.

During the conversation at the bilateral meeting held in Geneva, where the Second Special Session of the WHO Assembly on the pandemic is being held, the WHO Head and Minister Manastirliu discussed the pandemic situation, concerns about the new variant of Covid-19 and the importance of speeding up the vaccination process, which remains key in this situation.

Minister Manastirliu presented to Dr. Tedros the efforts of the Albanian government to cope with the pandemic and increase vaccine coverage, emphasizing the importance of coordinating actions between countries.

"Given the concern raised about the new variant of Covid-19, we are intensifying vaccination efforts, door to door, in every community. We believe there is a need for a globally coordinated response to the pandemic. "Albania is fully committed to join the initiative to coordinate actions between countries, to work together towards an International Treaty for the preparation and response to the pandemic and health emergencies", said Manastirliu.

The Minister of Health Ogerta Manastirliu presented to the director of the WHO the work done to strengthen primary health care and address mental health issues, through the integration of socio-health services.

The General Director of WHO, dr. Tedros assured Minister Manastirliu of the support, appreciating the work done for primary care. Dr. Tedros also praised Albania's commitment to supporting the Pandemic Treaty.

"I am happy that Albania is making progress in terms of strengthening primary care, as a very important pillar of the health system. Primary health care will be the focus of the next WHO Summit and Albania can be a positive example in this regard. I also appreciate the commitment of Albania for the Pandemic Treaty, for which we are making progress ", said dr. Tedros.

Minister Manastirliu presented to the director of the WHO the two initiatives of Albania in the international arena to address the problems of the pandemic, focusing on mental health and youth.

Albania will host the Youth Forum on Health, in cooperation with the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

Albania will also organize the Inter-Regional Ministerial of the Western Balkan countries to promote mental health.

Dr. Tedros expressed his readiness to be present in these important initiatives that will be implemented in Albania during the next year.

The meeting between Minister Manastirliu and the head of the WHO took place in the framework of the special session on the International Pandemic Treaty being held in Geneva, Switzerland, with the participation of senior representatives of about 100 WHO member countries.

Tiranapost.al