February 16, 2026
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to remain a significant public health concern in Kosovo. Today, Action for Mothers and Children (AMC) held a roundtable discussion titled “Raising Awareness and Management of STIs in Kosovo,” bringing together healthcare professionals, policymakers and community representatives.
AMC presented its policy brief on the state of STIs in Kosovo and discussed concrete, coordinated steps to reduce their transmission. The discussion emphasized the importance of increasing public awareness, improving access to testing and treatment and strengthening institutional cooperation to address this issue effectively.
Participants in the roundtable included:
- Representatives from the Ministry of Health, including Dr. Merita Vuthaj, Director of
- Public Health, and Dr. Shaban Osmanaj, Head of the Primary Health Care Division;
Dr. Florie Miftari Bashkolli, Department of Social Medicine – National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo; - Dr. Afërdita Kurti Meta, Department of Microbiology – National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo;
- Dr. Luljeta Gashi, Department of Epidemiology – National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo;
- Vlera Rexha, representative of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI);
Dr. Vjollca Zeqiri, Family Medicine Specialist, Main Family Medicine Center, Pristina.
This roundtable was organized as part of AMC’s collaboration with the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), through which significant results have been achieved, including:
- Development and distribution of an educational video and brochure to raise awareness about STIs and the importance of testing
- Procurement and distribution of condoms through Women’s Health Information Centers within Family Medicine Centers and other community locations
- Implementation of a social media awareness campaign promoting STI awareness and testing
- Delivery of specialized STI training sessions for healthcare professionals in 18 Women’s Health Information Centers
- Organization of educational sessions on STIs for women and adolescents
“This roundtable marks the conclusion of a two-year commitment by Action for Mothers and Children (AMC), in partnership with the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), which has stood alongside young people, women and families in Kosovo by providing evidence-based information, developing policy briefs at both local and central levels on STIs and ensuring access to protective tools for the community,” said AMC Executive Director Rina Demiri Spahija. “AMC will continue working to reduce stigma surrounding STIs and to empower communities with accurate and reliable information.”
Through this project, implemented by AMC with financial support from CFLI, partners are working together to reduce the spread of STIs, improve sexual health, combat stigma and ensure that people across Kosovo have the knowledge, tools and services necessary to protect their health.
