A cross-border project between Albania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia is giving hope to young couples in Korçë who are facing difficulties in having children. For the second time, a team of Bulgarian doctors has arrived in the city to provide free consultations and medical support.
Interest has been high, with many young people seeking help and information about treatment options.
Stefan Gërmenji, head of a clinic in Korçë, stated that there is a considerable number of young couples in the city who struggle with infertility, and this project offers concrete support for them.
“Interest so far, in terms of the issues faced, is high in the city of Korçë and the surrounding villages. The level of interest has been high since the first visit; a second round of consultations was requested, and we now have an even larger number of gynecology cases and couples experiencing difficulties in having children. All consultations are free,” said Stefan Gërmenji.
Meanwhile, Bulgarian specialist doctor Gueorgi Nikolov said that the project has already begun to show its first results. According to him, thanks to this initiative spanning three countries — Albania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia — around 50 babies are expected to be born, one of whom is already on the way in Albania.
“I believe there is significant interest. This is my second visit; during the first one, I met around 50 families, some with simple issues and others with more serious problems. This time, I will examine another 40 families. Around 50 children are expected to be born through this project. We have several women who need surgical procedures, and one woman in Korçë is already expecting a child. We are happy about this,” said Gueorgi Nikolov.
This cooperation is seen as an important step in supporting young families and encouraging higher birth rates in the region.