Department of Strategy and Donor Coordination

Figure 30. Mortality by gender 2001–2007
12000
10000
8000
6000
9160 9123
6653
7125
10038 9949 9693
9204
7929 7800 7734 7731
8080
6448
4000
2000
0
Male
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Female
Source: INSTAT
Causes of death were analysed by INSTAT using the National Standard Classification ICD-9. Analysis showed
that the overall mortality pattern between 2002 and 2006 has not changed much.
Blood circulation diseases are the number one cause of deaths in the overall pattern of mortality. Deaths
among females are caused primarily by brain blood vessel disease, which is on the increase, while among men
coronary ischemia accounts for 64 per cent of deaths.
Tumours are the second cause of deaths in the overall mortality pattern, especially malignant tumours of the
digestive, respiratory and uro-genital tracts prevalent among people above the age of 50 years. Incidence of
malignant tumours of the digestive tract is twice as high in males as in females, while malignant tumours of
the respiratory tract affect males three times more than they do females. In contrast, incidence of malignant
bone and breast tumours is three times higher in females than in males, though males have twice the incidence
of uro-genital malignant tumours.
Traumatic injuries, poisoning and accidents are the third cause of deaths. In this group, 88 per cent of
deaths result from accidents and thirteen per cent from traumas and poisoning. Among people involved in
accidents 77 per cent are male and 23 per cent female. Traffic accidents involve 3.6 times as many males than
females. Unlawful killings involve five times as many males than females, while suicides are on the increase
in females.
Respiratory tract diseases are the fourth cause of deaths in the overall mortality pattern of causes of deaths
per 100,000 inhabitants, though the frequency of death from this disease group has been slowing down.
With a view of improving human health and consequently mitigating the above indications, the Ministry of
Health (MoH) introduced a mechanism to encourage physicians to follow up on chronically ill patients. A bonus
of five per cent of salary is awarded dependent upon their performance with such patients. Important steps
were taken to ensure kidney transplant operations in Tirana University Hospital “Nënë Tereza’”. Currently,
diagnosis of breast cancer and cervical cancer is possible, as a secondary form of prevention, following the
installation of digital equipment for mammography and ultrasound scan in the policlinics of four major
cities: Tirana, Shkodra, Durrës and Vlora. A draft strategy on prevention and control of tumour diseases was
developed and measures were taken on primary prevention of lung cancer, particularly through efforts to limit
tobacco consumption.
The reform implemented in the health system provides clear channels for improvement in line with economic
and social developments. A draft strategy on the health system was developed and its implementation costs
calculated. In 2008, budget allocated to the health system increased by 8.7 per cent compared to 2007 and
represented 2.9 per cent of GDP.
NSDI 2008 Progress Report | 53