Albania – Friends of Diana Sufaj

The Need

Shkodër and Malsi e Madhe, with a population of approximately 170,000, face critical healthcare challenges, particularly in rural and low-income areas. These regions, home to schools, senior citizens, women’s shelters, orphanages, and special needs communities, are in desperate need of both medical and dental services. While about 20-22% of the population is under 14 and 65-67% are of working age, access to healthcare remains limited. Albania has only about 1.5 to 2 physicians per 1,000 people, but the shortage of dental care is even more severe, with just 0.03 dentists per 1,000 people.

The region’s healthcare needs are diverse. Cardiovascular disease, trauma, cancer, and respiratory conditions are leading causes of death, while infections such as Hepatitis B (affecting 2-3% of the population) and Hepatitis C (impacting 1.5-2%) are ongoing public health concerns. Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, though less prevalent, still pose risks in certain communities. However, dental care, often overlooked, is in high demand as many suffer from preventable conditions that could be addressed through routine dental visits.

Our mission in Shkodër aims to bring both critical medical and dental care to these underserved populations. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and residents of orphanages and shelters will be prioritized. In addition to addressing urgent medical needs like infections, we will focus heavily on providing dental services, offering treatment for dental pain, infections, and other oral health issues that are often left untreated due to lack of access. By setting up special sessions at orphanages and shelters, we hope to ensure that these populations receive vital care.

Volunteers on this mission will not only provide much-needed medical support but will also help fill a significant gap in dental care. This opportunity will allow us to make a meaningful impact by improving overall health and addressing the critical dental needs of these communities, all while experiencing the rich culture of Albania.

Our Work

International Medical Relief (IMR) is excited to announce its inaugural mission to Albania, a country where healthcare access is severely limited, particularly in rural areas. This mission will focus heavily on addressing urgent dental care needs, alongside providing essential medical services. Albania’s dental care shortage is critical, with only 0.03 dentists per 1,000 people, leaving many suffering from untreated oral health issues.

IMR has a rich history of bringing healthcare to underserved communities across the globe. Since 2015, we have worked in Tanzania, collaborating with local partners and providing sustainable healthcare to nearly 6,000 patients through the dedication of over 200 staff and volunteers. This same spirit of service will guide us as we embark on our mission to Albania, where we will work shoulder-to-shoulder with local partners to elevate vulnerable populations and provide sustainable healthcare solutions.

Our mission aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), specifically Goal 3: Good Health & Well-Being and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. We are committed to working in collaboration with local hosts in Albania, and our presence is based on a formal invitation in response to the community’s pressing need for medical and dental care, as well as health education.

This mission will provide a unique opportunity to support Albania’s rural and low-income populations by addressing their healthcare and dental needs. With a focus on impactful medical consultations, team members will also be treating dental conditions such as infections, pain, and decay, with an aim to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of these communities.

Join us as we take this important step in bringing vital healthcare to Albania and helping build a healthier future for its people.

This Mission

Albania, with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is a hidden gem in the Balkans. Beyond its natural beauty, the country is home to communities in urgent need of medical and dental care. By joining IMR’s mission to Albania, you can make a meaningful impact while exploring this fascinating country. This mission offers you the unique opportunity to provide care to underserved populations, many of whom have little to no access to healthcare, especially in rural areas.

International Medical Relief (IMR) is dedicated to creating lasting change in the communities we serve. In Albania, our teams will not only provide critical healthcare and dental services but also focus on education and prevention, ensuring a more sustainable and long-term improvement in health outcomes. Our goal is to strengthen local health systems by working closely with local medical staff, focusing on prevention, health, nutrition, and building capacity for future care. Join us on this impactful journey, where you will help transform lives while experiencing the rich culture and traditions of Albania.

Lodging/Transportation

On this Classic Trip, you and your fellow team members will be staying at a 2-star accommodation with safe, clean, comfortable rooms. You will be able to enjoy the local cafes – the local food has a heavy Italian influence – museums, and all the town of Shkodër has to offer nearby. Dating back to the 4th century BC, it’s one of the oldest cities in Europe, and there is plenty for you to explore. 

All transportation to and from the clinic has been arranged for you. Professional drivers, safe vehicles, and security are some of the many reasons to join IMR on a trip.  Don’t nap – there’s a lot to see in the valleys and hills surrounding your home away from home this week!

Highlights

As one of the oldest cities in Europe and the cultural capital of Albania, fascinating sites await around every corner in Shkodër. But it’s the stories of the people that you will find the most memorable. Your patients may have stories from the dark period of the communist regime in Albania, which lasted from 1946 to 1991, and was marked by prohibition of religion, restrictions of travel, and prohibition of private property ownership. Those who opposed or resisted the communist rule were severely punished. On this trip you will provide care for vulnerable groups still struggling to find their place in society.

Extend Your Stay

After dedicating your time and energy to serving communities in need, what better way to conclude your mission than by discovering the wonders of Albania? A country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, Albania offers a unique opportunity to recharge and reflect on your experiences while exploring its hidden gems.

Worldwide Navigators offers unique opportunities to extend your time and create an amazing vacation following your humanitarian work. Contact Worldwide Navigators to book one of these extensions or get more information.

Itinerary at a Glance