Transparency in Health Engagement (THE) Project - Albania

USAID Transparency in Health Engagement Project Commits to Fighting Corruption in Albania

Despite recent initiatives to reduce corruption and increase government accountability in Albania, significant problems persist throughout the country with detrimental impacts on the health of the Albanian people. Corruption is a persistent problem that has been normalized within the country. In the health sector, the quality of services remains low with facilities offering a limited scope and quality of care for the community. The Government of Albania’s (GOA) Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan outlines specific steps to identify and pursue cases of corruption.

The USAID-funded Transparency in Health Engagement Project, implemented by University Research Co., LLC (URC), aims to improve health services for Albanian citizens by focusing on corruption and encouraging cooperation among selected independent government institutions, civil society organizations, and media to encourage more responsible governance in the health sector.

The project works with the High Inspectorate for the Declaration and Audit of Assets and Prevention of Conflict of Interest (HIDAACI), the High State Audit (HSA), the Office of the Ombudsperson, and local civil society organizations (CSOs) to increase governance and transparency in the Albanian health system.

The project supports the GOA to build the capacity of the HIDAACI, the HSA, the Ombudsperson, and identified CSOs to:

• Generate evidence through performance audits, complaint investigation, and asset reporting
• Design and implement assessments to measure corruption and relevant mediating factors (e.g., control system reviews, etc.)
• Perform public sector reforms and audits
• Engage with citizens to use their on-the-ground knowledge of corruption and problem solve on possible systems improvements