The project aims to exchange scientific and practical expertise regarding the pharmacological and physiotherapeutic treatment of patients with infantile cerebral palsy in Albania and Kosovo. By identifying risk factors, determining the prevalence of this condition, and promoting its prevention, the project seeks to improve the quality of healthcare services provided to this group of patients.

In the current context, official information on the prevalence and treatment of infantile cerebral palsy remains limited in both countries. This often leads to confusion and difficulties in providing healthcare services to patients affected by this condition, consequently leaving them waiting for years to receive adequate care or forcing them to incur substantial expenses to access services abroad. Although some forms of treatment are available at several private physiotherapy clinics, there is a lack of dedicated commitment to the rehabilitation of these patients, particularly regarding specialised professional services in specialised clinics. Furthermore, the shortage of paediatric physiotherapists and the limited availability of robotic rehabilitation pose significant challenges to their healthcare.

The project team consists of professionals with extensive experience in this field, including physicians, physiotherapists, and pharmacology specialists from prestigious institutions in Kosovo, Albania, and Italy. Through a clearly defined multidisciplinary methodology, the project aims to establish a comprehensive overview of the situation regarding infantile cerebral palsy in both countries and propose effective strategies for its treatment and prevention.

The project is expected to be implemented over a two-year period from the date of signing. Activities will include an initial meeting of the experts involved, mobility activities, open seminars at the respective institutions, data collection and processing, and the dissemination of findings.

The project will be led by Prof. Ass. Dr. Arben Boshnjaku and will involve participants from UFAGJ, including Prof. Ass. Dafinë Kaçuri, Prof. Dr. Haxhi Kamberi, and Ass. Zana Gërgi. On behalf of the partner institutions in the Republic of Albania, the project will be led by Prof. Assoc. Dr. Malvina Hoxha and will also involve other academic staff members, including Prof. Ass. Dr. Emanuela Prendi, Prof. Dr. Stefano Mugnaini, and Prof. Dr. Simonetta Galgani.

The ultimate beneficiaries of this project are expected to be patients, their families and communities, as well as the healthcare and academic systems in both countries. The project will provide an opportunity to better understand and improve the treatment and care of this specific group of patients.

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Staff from the “Fehmi Agani” University of Gjakova visited the Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel.”