20 July 2026
NCD Leadership Course Concludes, Empowering a New Generation of Public Health Leaders
After two weeks of intensive learning, collaboration, and practical problem-solving, the Kosovo Non-Communicable Diseases Leadership Course, the session of 17 July 2026 marked the successful completion of the first edition of this unique programme delivered within the framework of the Prishtina International Summer University (PISU) 2026.
Participants worked in multidisciplinary teams to analyse policy challenges and develop practical solutions around the four WHO NCD "Best Buys" that formed the core of the course: tobacco control, unhealthy diets and obesity, harmful use of alcohol, and physical inactivity. On the final day, each team presented its policy analysis and advocacy proposals before a review panel, demonstrating both technical knowledge and leadership skills developed throughout the two-weeks.
“The programme featured an international and national faculty, combining global expertise with Kosovo's public health context. This exchange of perspectives allowed participants to examine international best practices while grounding discussions in local realities and policy priorities,” said Dr. Ardita Baraku, Director of NIPH.
Reflecting on the course, Prof. Dr. Merita Berisha, who led the national faculty team, said: "The course was built around practice rather than theory alone, allowing participants to immediately apply what they learned. I would also like to thank the IHS Project for supporting the entire process and making this initiative possible."
Organized through a partnership between the University of Prishtina and the Integrated Health Services (IHS) Project, with the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPH) serving as the national academic lead, the course brought together a diverse group of professionals committed to strengthening leadership for NCD prevention and control.
Participants worked in multidisciplinary teams to analyse policy challenges and develop practical solutions around the four WHO NCD "Best Buys" that formed the core of the course: tobacco control, unhealthy diets and obesity, harmful use of alcohol, and physical inactivity. On the final day, each team presented its policy analysis and advocacy proposals before a review panel, demonstrating both technical knowledge and leadership skills developed throughout the two-weeks.
“The programme featured an international and national faculty, combining global expertise with Kosovo's public health context. This exchange of perspectives allowed participants to examine international best practices while grounding discussions in local realities and policy priorities,” said Dr. Ardita Baraku, Director of NIPH.
Reflecting on the course, Prof. Dr. Merita Berisha, who led the national faculty team, said: "The course was built around practice rather than theory alone, allowing participants to immediately apply what they learned. I would also like to thank the IHS Project for supporting the entire process and making this initiative possible."
Organized through a partnership between the University of Prishtina and the Integrated Health Services (IHS) Project, with the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPH) serving as the national academic lead, the course brought together a diverse group of professionals committed to strengthening leadership for NCD prevention and control.