Albania ranks among the top countries in Europe in terms of neonatal mortality, which includes infant deaths within the first 28 days of life.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, Albania recorded 7 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure several times higher than the European average of 2.2 deaths per 1,000 live births. This places Albania in 7th place among the 53 countries studied for the highest number of neonatal fatalities.

Albania also leads the region in neonatal mortality, with Montenegro reporting a significantly lower rate—only 1 death per 1,000 live births, which is below the European average.

Experts highlight that Albania’s neonatal mortality rate has increased by 1.4% between 2018 and 2022.

In 2022, neonatal mortality rates varied widely across Europe, ranging from 0.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in San Marino to 23 per 1,000 live births in Turkmenistan.

Between 2018 and 2022, neonatal mortality rates increased in six member states and remained unchanged in eight others, all of which exceed the regional average.