The primary cause of death in Albania, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), is COVID-19. This indicates the significant impact the pandemic has had on the nation's public health landscape, positioning it above other common mortality factors.
Leading Causes of Mortality in Albania
Based on available data, the top causes of death in Albania reflect a mix of infectious disease impact and prevalent non-communicable diseases. While traditional chronic illnesses contribute significantly, COVID-19 has emerged as the leading cause.
To provide a clear overview, here are the top five leading causes of death in Albania, ranked by their reported rates (the specific units for these values, such as deaths per 100,000 population, are not explicitly detailed in the provided snippet but represent a measure of mortality burden):
| Cause of Death | Reported Rate |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 | 250.5 |
| Ischaemic heart disease | 231.1 |
| Stroke | 229.8 |
| Trachea, bronchus, lung cancers | 38.8 |
| Alzheimer disease and other dementias | 32.8 |
Note: Higher values indicate a greater contribution to the overall mortality rate.
Understanding the Health Landscape
- Dominance of COVID-19: The data clearly illustrates that COVID-19 has had a profound effect on mortality in Albania, surpassing previously leading causes like heart disease and stroke. This highlights the severity and widespread nature of the pandemic's health consequences in the country.
- Persistent Cardiovascular Burden: Even with COVID-19 at the top, ischemic heart disease and stroke remain critically high on the list. This emphasizes that cardiovascular diseases continue to be a major public health challenge, contributing substantially to overall mortality and morbidity in Albania.
- Other Significant Chronic Conditions: Cancers, particularly those affecting the respiratory system (trachea, bronchus, lung), and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, also account for a notable portion of deaths. These conditions are typically associated with aging populations and long-term health management.
For more comprehensive health statistics and detailed country profiles, you can refer to the official World Health Organization data for Albania.
