“I want to become a mother, but I need a surrogate”
A woman seeking surrogacy describes the barriers she faces in Albania, while doctors and lawyer Ilir Çumani discuss the legal and medical questions in this 2015 report.
MoreErblin Vukaj
Experienced media and communication professional with a demonstrated history of working in the media industry. Skilled in reporting, news writing, newscasting, editorials, sports commentator and free-time blogger.
“The Trauma Hospital lacks equipment and qualified staff”
Surgeon Agron Dogjani describes equipment shortages, gaps in staff training and a full intensive care unit at Albania’s University Trauma Hospital in this archival report.
MoreNewborn deaths account for 75 percent of infant deaths
Neonatologist Eduard Tushe discusses infant mortality, newborn care and preventable deaths, while a mother from Kukës explains why she chose to give birth in Tirana.
More43 years of service, now unemployed!
An archival profile of neurologist Agron Islamaj, whose decades of care, internal exile and work through the 1997 unrest ended with his replacement at Tirana’s Central Polyclinic.
MoreNew machine at the Neurology Hospital: 25 tumor treatments a day
The X-Knife linear accelerator has improved tumor treatment at QSUT, doctors say, but the volume of patients and staffing requirements underline the need for additional machines.
MoreHIV in Albania: 75 new diagnoses in January–November 2014
In a December 2014 interview, infectious disease specialist Arjan Harxhi discusses HIV diagnoses, antenatal testing, mother-to-child transmission and stigma in Albania.
More“The flu vaccine is not effective”
In an archival interview, pulmonologist Elez Selimi discusses respiratory infections, his doubts about influenza vaccination and his account of a seven-year study of a polyvalent bacterial vaccine.
More“The Republic of Chaos”: a cycle of demolition and rebuilding
A 2013 commentary on illegal construction, explosive demolitions and the recurring political promise to bring order to Albania’s building chaos.
MoreThe European Union and the Euro in Albania
A 2013 argument about monetary sovereignty, the euro-area crisis and whether Albania should keep the lek after joining the European Union.
MoreIntroduction: “Studies on the myth of the State Security service”
A 2013 introduction to studies of the Sigurimi’s place in Albania’s social imagination, beginning with the Bush family’s 1996 visit.
MoreEnver Hoxha as the embodiment of ideology as a totem
A 2013 essay reads Hoxha’s personality cult, the Sigurimi and class struggle through the concepts of totem and taboo.
MoreEnver Hoxha’s attempt to present himself as a “hero”
A 2013 essay examines Hoxha’s efforts to shape his heroic image through memoirs, literature, propaganda and fear.
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Chinese-made flags invade Albania
As Albania prepares to mark 100 years of independence, Chinese-made flags with a distorted eagle are appearing in homes and institutions.
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