
Roundtable Discussion : Policy Summary: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Kosovo
05.02.2025
On February 4, 2025, at Hotel Sirius in Pristina, a Roundtable Discussion on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Kosovo was held, organized by Action for Mothers and Children (AMC) as part of a project supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). The purpose of this discussion was to present the STI Policy Summary, prepared by Dr. Murat Mehmeti, an infectologist, and to discuss key challenges and next steps for improving the STI situation in Kosovo.
KEY FINDINGS
According to data from the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (IKSHPK), the number of reported STI cases has increased significantly, reflecting the need for stronger measures in prevention, testing, and treatment. Pristina was identified as the most affected region, with 101 registered cases, among which anogenital warts (condyloma acuminata) accounted for the majority.
One of the biggest challenges identified is the lack of access to testing and treatment, as STI tests are only available at IKSHPK in Pristina, while Regional Public Health Centers and Regional Hospitals do not offer these tests. As a result, most patients turn to private laboratories, facing high financial costs for diagnostic services.
Another major issue is the stigmatization of vulnerable groups, such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs. These groups often face discrimination in accessing healthcare services, directly contributing to the spread of STIs within the population.
Additionally, insufficient sexual education negatively impacts awareness and STI prevention. According to a study, only 53% of young people in Kosovo believe they have adequate knowledge about STIs, highlighting the need to introduce sexual education into school curricula and organize awareness campaigns.
A further major challenge is the lack of financial resources for STI testing and treatment. Insufficient funding limits free testing and the expansion of laboratory capacities at the primary and secondary healthcare levels, directly affecting the efficiency of the public health response to STIs.
INTERVENTION BY THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Representatives of the Ministry of Health emphasized that the findings of the report align with the Strategic Document and Action Plan for HIV, TB, and STIs 2025-2027. They underlined the need to expand testing services and improve access to STI treatment, including decentralizing testing across all regional public health centers and hospitals.
Another issue discussed was the lack of STI case reporting from relevant healthcare institutions, highlighting the need to improve coordination between institutions to gain a clearer epidemiological overview of the situation.
DISCUSSION WITH NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
During the roundtable, NGO representatives raised the importance of intensifying cooperation between the Ministry of Health and the non-governmental sector to improve the STI situation in Kosovo. They emphasized the significance of advocacy, awareness-raising, and community education as key tools for STI prevention and better management.
In this context, NGOs can play a crucial role in organizing information campaigns, distributing educational materials, and increasing public awareness about STIs. Additionally, discussions focused on the role of NGOs in reducing stigma by working directly with affected communities to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals impacted by STIs.
CONCLUSION
The roundtable concluded with a broad consensus on the need for an integrated and cooperative approach between state institutions and civil society organizations to effectively address STI-related challenges in Kosovo. The importance of increasing access to testing and treatment, as well as strengthening efforts for public education and awareness on STIs, was strongly emphasized.
To achieve sustainable results, it is essential that state institutions, NGOs, and international partners collaborate closely, aiming for a comprehensive and long-term approach to improving public health in Kosovo.