The CDC Site Visit to Albania took place from 26th April to 3rd May 2014. The visit included Influenza Surveillance Review (conducted by Stacey Spivey-Blackford (CDC) and Carina Blackmore (CSTE)) and Influenza Laboratory Capacity Review (conducted by Richard Alexander and Amy Woron (APHL))

The purpose of the visit was to assist with the systematic, standardized review of influenza sentinel site surveillance system and to help identify problems and design solutions.

Specific objectives included:

On 24-25 April 2014 in Tirana was held the International Conference of Public Health. The main topics addressed at the conference related to surveillance systems and health monitoring - a topic which is obviously a priority and important for the Albanian health system. 

SECID as an administrative partner for Institute of Public Health and considering the importance of the conference has contributed in financial support of this event.

On 25^th of April in the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro took place the workshop on guidelines for improving SARI. In the workshop participated 20 epidemiologists, virologists, infectious disease specialists etc., representing IPH, Hospitals, Clinical Centre etc.

The workshop agenda was as follows:

The inter-country workshop on development of the communication strategy of the SEEHN is organized for national health coordinators of the Member states and Executive Committee members, to review and discuss the modalities of the current communication, discuss and provide feedback on the proposed draft-versions of the Communication Strategy and related products, including SEEHN web site and newsletter, and to provide feedback for finalization of the Communication Strategy and related products, preparing them for the discussion at the 33^rd SEEHN Plenary Meeting, to be held in Buch