Strong progress in home care, non-communicable disease management and PHC personnel capacity marks the first semester of activities for 2025–2026.
During the first semester of the Yearly Plan of Operations 2025–2026, the Health for All (HAP) project successfully delivered all planned activities, reinforcing its contribution to a more accessible and integrated primary health care (PHC) system for Albanian citizens in general and vulnerable groups in particular.
Expanding home care services
A key achievement during the reporting period was the expansion of home care services. By the end of September 2025, home care visits were reported by 140 of the 150 health centres directly supported by HAP, representing 93% of the project’s targeted facilities. These centres operate across twenty Local Units of Health Care (LUHCs) in eleven regions, accounting for over two-fifths of all health centres nationwide.
This expansion reflects sustained capacity-building efforts and coordinated implementation with health authorities. By the end of March 2026, HAP will have completed its full package of support to all 150 health centres.
Strengthening collaboration with local health authorities
HAP continued to work closely with the Operator at central and regional levels, as well as with LUHCs, to scale up home care services and implement protocols for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). While progress has been substantial, the reporting period also highlighted the need for improved data quality and stronger monitoring capacities, particularly in relation to home care reporting.
Integration of socio-health services and mental health into PHC
The project also contributed to the integration of health and social services within PHC. A practical manual of guidelines for psychologists working in primary care was developed with HAP support, through close collaboration with key stakeholders and service providers. This represents an important step towards coordinated, multidisciplinary care at community level.
In parallel, HAP further strengthened mental health management within PHC. Since 2022, almost 400 health professionals have received training in the management of mental health disorders, contributing to the gradual integration of mental health services into the primary care system.
Strengthening the capacities of primary health care personnel
Workforce development remained central to HAP’s approach. Since 2022, the project has supported the training of over one thousand PHC nurse trainers and LUHC-based professionals. During the reporting period, the project supported the enhancement of the pedagogical skills of nurse trainers in two regions, enabling them to lead cascade training processes for home care services.
HAP also continued to expand the implementation of NCD protocols. Over the period 2021–2025, nearly one-third of Albania’s family physicians and family nurses working in PHC teams have been directly trained by the project. These efforts are strengthening clinical practice and standardising care for chronic conditions across the country.
Peer Groups Support
Peer Groups within PHC facilities continued to grow, supporting professional exchange and continuous learning. During the reporting period alone, 94 new Peer Groups were established, engaging close to 900 PHC providers, including physicians, nurses, psychologists and social workers. Overall, more than one in ten PHC providers nationwide are now participating in these groups.
Priorities moving forward
Looking ahead to the second half of Year Three, HAP will focus on strengthening the autonomy of LUHCs in delivering training through Peer Groups, completing the supply of essential equipment to newly supported health centres, and enhancing monitoring of home care services. Continued dialogue with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and support for advocacy activities will remain critical to mobilising additional resources for home care.