BIRN Albania Unveils Monitoring Report on Transparency and Accessibility in Health and Education

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On December 10, BIRN Albania launched the monitoring report, “Transparency and Accessibility in the Health and Education Systems,” during a roundtable event in Tirana.

Photo: Xhemali Moku / BIRN Albania

The event, organized in partnership with Together for Life, Qëndresa Qytetare, and Destiny Center for Excellence under the European Union-funded SPACE project, highlighted the urgent need for improved transparency and inclusivity in Albania’s health and education sectors.

This report provides a comprehensive evaluation of transparency and accessibility in eight public institutions, including regional health and education directorates. It identifies critical gaps in information availability, institutional accountability, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups, offering actionable recommendations to address these challenges.

Kristina Voko, Executive Director of BIRN Albania, emphasized the significance of the report during her opening remarks: “This publication serves as a vital tool for civil society and policymakers, shedding light on systemic issues while paving the way for reforms that can strengthen public trust and service quality.”

Key findings, presented by Ardita Shehaj, an expert in transparency programs, and Aida Myftaraj from ACER, revealed disparities in proactive transparency and FOI responsiveness across institutions.

The panel also featured Suela Lala, an activist for the rights of people with disabilities, Romina Sefa, an advocate for minority rights, and Xheni Karaj, a prominent LGBTI activist, whose perspectives enriched the discussions by bringing the voices of marginalized communities to the forefront. Their inclusion underscored the necessity of addressing the unique challenges faced by these groups in accessing health and education services.

The roundtable brought together public officials, civil society representatives, and advocacy groups, fostering a robust discussion on implementing the report’s recommendations and improving the accountability of public institutions.

This report marks a pivotal step in empowering civil society, promoting evidence-based advocacy, and advancing good governance in Albania.

Full monitoring report in Albanian can be downloaded here.

Full monitoring report in English can be downloaded here.