Albanian Health Promotion Model: a health perspective for Western Balkan countries

Abstract

This article proposes a mixed-blended model adapted for Western Balkan countries, advancing the connections between the Icelandic Model of Health Promotion and the assets models for health improvement through the whole school approach and non-formal education methodology. The need to reshape health promotion interventions in Western Balkan countries is urgent, and requires explicit synergies so that a more coherent approach can be taken in their utilization. To this end, we propose a new Albanian Health Promotion Model that integrates key concepts that are associated with the involvement of schoolchildren; parents/caregivers, grandparents, communities, and religious leaders; teachers and school staff; involvement of central and local governments; engagement of the private sector; involvement of non-governmental and civil society organizations; and, importantly, enables the development of supportive environments. The proposed model aims to contribute to a more in-depth theoretical understanding of health and development through integration of the key elements of various models, methods, approaches, and tools employed in health promotion practice. Making the theory of the Icelandic model more feasible for non-Nordic cultures could better contextualize the ideas in public health policy and practice. The Albanian Health Promotion Model may also support interventions to maximize their results in vulnerable communities that have specific requirements and, as a result, could be extrapolated to similar countries in the region and beyond.