AQH and IHS Steering Committees Meet to Review Progress
On June 17, 2026, the Steering Committees of the Accessible Quality Healthcare (AQH) and Integrated Health Services (IHS), projects, co-chaired by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), convened at the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPHK) to review progress achieved over the past six months and discuss priorities for the period ahead.
With both projects strengthening care for patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the meeting offered a close-up look at how the two SDC-funded projects are improving the quality of care across primary and secondary levels in Kosovo.
Peter Sidler, Deputy Head of SDC, emphasized the need for sustainability of results of the AQH Project, as it approaches the end of its implementation period, and underlined that in its second phase, the IHS project to continue building on achievements and responding effectively to health system priorities.
Deputy Minister of Health Arsim Berisha noted that the projects have played an important role in improving the management of noncommunicable diseases and supporting healthcare professionals across the country.
Dr. Ardita Baraku, Director of NIPHK, reflected on the close collaboration between the Institute and both projects, noting the positive impact of investments in professional capacities, knowledge transfer, and health infrastructure.
Dr. Jana Gerold, Project Leader at Swiss TPH, presented the strategic direction of IHS Project second phase to further support integrated, people-centred healthcare services and strengthen coordination between different levels of care.
The AQH and IHS teams presented updates since the previous Steering Committee meeting held in December 2025. Discussions focused on achievements, challenges, and lessons learned, while identifying priority actions for the final implementation phase of AQH and the continued rollout of IHS Phase II. Particular focus was given to sustaining successful interventions, institutionalizing good practices, and ensuring that project results continue to benefit patients and healthcare providers beyond the lifespan of the projects.
The Steering Committees includes representatives from the MoH, SDC, NIPHK, the Kosovo Hospital and University Clinical Service (KHUCS), the General Hospitals of Peja and Gjakova, the Municipality of Lipjan as an AQH demonstration site, Collegium of Health and Social Welfare, the Patient Rights Association of Kosovo (PRAK), and project implementation teams.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue working together to strengthen healthcare services and support better health outcomes for people living with noncommunicable diseases in Kosovo.
