Albania and Italy Launch Cooperation on Neonatal Services as Minister Sala Highlights European Standards in Maternal and Child Care

Albania and Italy have begun implementing the strategic project, “Improving Maternal and Newborn Health in Albania — MATHERNA,” which aims to transform neonatal services and maternal care. Funded by the Italian government with 6 million euros and technically supported by ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, the project represents a new partnership model with advanced public healthcare standards.
Following the agreement signed during the joint meeting of the two governments in Rome, the initiative will be implemented in two university hospitals and three regional hospitals. It includes modernizing neonatal intensive care units, introducing new technologies, standardizing clinical protocols, and strengthening the national referral network.
“By working with the Italian government, we are not only starting a new phase of work, but also setting a new standard for neonatal and maternal care in Albania. This investment will directly impact the lives of new families and bring us closer to European Union standards,” stated Minister Sala. Minister Sala emphasized that investing in the neonatal period (the first 28 days of life) is crucial for long-term development and health.
Italian Ambassador to Albania Marco Alberti described healthcare as one of the main priorities outlined in the G2G agreement for bilateral cooperation. He emphasized that the Lombardy Region and ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco will provide Albania with resources, clinical expertise, and advanced hospital management practices.
Letizia Fischioni, the Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in Tirana, highlighted the more than 30-year tradition of Italian cooperation in Albania’s health sector. She emphasized the importance of interventions in infrastructure investment, professional capacity development, and improved healthcare services.
Maria Grazia Colombo, the General Director of ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, stated that it is an honor for the institution to have been selected by the Lombardy Region’s Assessorato al Welfare as the lead institution for the Maternal and Child Health project in Albania.
The MATHERNA project aligns with the priorities of the National Health Strategy and the Albanian government’s reform objectives, which aim to reduce neonatal and maternal mortality rates to levels comparable with those of European Union countries.