One of the problems that has complicated the maternal mortality outlook in Albania has been their continued struggle to fully transition to a fully functional capitalist and democratic economic and political system. "After 1991 when democracy was proclaimed in Albania, the health system deteriorated drastically. In the last five years, there has been more emphasis to improve health care. Many private clinics are open, which use modern technology. However, there is corruption in the public clinics which might affect the quality of maternal care. It is not unusual for nurses and doctors to demand money for every service, even a small one such as bringing medication to the patient" 1.
UN organizations have urged Albania to allocate more resources toward adequate health care service for women 2, but their ability to do so is hampered by both a lack of political will and resources. Technically health care if free to all citizens but the type of care that is available is severally limited in both location as well as training in preventative measures that might considerably reduce the maternal mortality rates were proper techniques and attention devoted to the well being of Albanian women.
In particular health care in the rural areas of Albania (4 in 5 Albanians live in rural areas) are particularly problematic as well as care of the Roma people in general 3 4.
Albania certainly has not completely neglected their mothers bearing children, and the women in Albania having children is better than in many of the worlds countries. However, it is important for the health care system and the politicians to not become complacent or comfortable with the circumstances they now endure. There are many innovative and cost effective program like those being implemented in Afghanistan now that would vastly improve the safety of the women bearing children in Albania.
