Every year, World Diabetes Day arrives as a gentle reminder of something much larger than a date on the calendar: that diabetes is a daily companion for many people, shaping routines, habits, and health decisions. The 2025 theme, “Diabetes across life stages,” with a focus on “Diabetes and the workplace,” asks communities everywhere to look beyond clinical care and think about the environments that help people stay healthy at home, outdoors, and in the places where they spend most of their day.
In this spirit, the AQH Demonstration Sites in Lipjan and Gjakova brought together citizens, health professionals, and institutions for activities that blended movement, conversation, and practical learning. It is a continuation of their role as demonstration sites, places that lead by example and keep showing the value of awareness, prevention, and hands-on health management.
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles Through Community Activities in Lipjan
On the morning of November 6, 2025, a group of older adults from Lipjan gathered in the beautiful park of Blinaja. As they began their well-being walk, along the trail, participants learned why something as simple as a daily walk can support blood sugar control, heart health, and even emotional balance.
When the walk ended, the group settled in for a session on healthy diets and self-care, delivered by Dr. Valbona Pacarizi, from the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPHK). The conversation focused on everyday choices, the small, steady habits that can quietly transform health over time, such as: less salt, more fruits and balanced proteins in food.
Addressing the group, Shkelzen Hajdini, Director for Health and Social Welfare in Lipjan, noted that these AQH-supported activities are becoming part of the municipality’s long-term commitment. Adding that, such efforts, have already proven their value for community health and will continue as part of the municipality’s annual plans and budgets, including future observances of World Health Days, excursions, and integrated healthcare activities.
Gjakova Hosts Roundtable on Wellbeing and Healthy Workplaces
A few days later, on 12 November 2025, Gjakova turned its attention to the theme of diabetes in the workplace, a topic that touches not only patients but also those who care for them.
Representatives from primary and secondary healthcare, the Chambers of Doctors and Nurses, AQH and HIS Projects, NIPHK and the National Center for Occupational Health gathered for a roundtable on what it means to create a healthy working environment in the health sector.
The overarching theme of this roundtable was “Diabetes and Wellbeing: Creating Healthy Workplaces for All.”
Opening the discussion, Adelina Shehu Kola, Director for Health and Social Welfare in Gjakova, spoke about the municipality’s commitment to supporting such events, describing them as essential for the well-being of citizens and health professionals alike.
On the other hand, Arben Koshi, Director of MFMC Gjakova, talked about the importance of self-care not just for patients but also for medical staff. Merita Shehu, Senior Health Expert from AQH, noted that the pressures facing healthcare workers often remain invisible, even though they shape the quality of care.
The Kosovo Chamber of Doctors presented new findings on psychological distress and burnout among physicians in Kosovo, sparking a discussion about how institutions can better support their teams.
From there, a panel named “How Can We Create Healthier Workplaces for Our Healthcare Workforce?” followed, where participants discussed ways to reduce stress, improve working conditions, and nourish both physical and mental well-being in the health sector.
To close the day, participants stepped outside for a well-being walk in Shkukëz Park, symbolizing the importance of integrating movement and self-care practices into everyday work routines.
Through these activities, the AQH Demonstration Sites in Lipjan and Gjakova illustrated how community-driven health promotion can look when it is local, practical, and rooted in everyday life. By bringing together learning, movement, and open dialogue, they are helping build healthier communities and offering a model for municipalities across Kosovo.