Low Birth Weight in Albania: A Policy Review of Maternal, Antenatal and Postnatal Health Strategies

Low birth weight (LBW), defined as a birth weight below 2500 g, is associated with increased neonatal morbidity and mortality, impaired growth and development, and a higher risk of noncommunicable diseases in later life. In Albania, LBW prevalence was approximately 6% in 2020, and regional disparities and unequal access to healthcare persist. This review evaluated how Albanian maternal, antenatal, and postnatal health policies address the prevention and early management of LBW and identified key policy and implementation gaps. A descriptive policy review was conducted using official documents from the Albanian Ministry of Health and INSTAT. The Action Plan for Sexual and Reproductive Health 2022-2030 could not be obtained in full and was not analyzed; the expired 2017-2021 strategy was reviewed as a historical document only. WHO and UNICEF datasets were used to contextualize LBW trends, and a targeted PubMed and Google Scholar search identified established risk factors and outcomes. Albania’s maternal, antenatal, and postnatal health policies are broadly aligned with WHO guidelines. Antenatal protocols recognize risk factors such as iron-deficiency anemia, poor maternal weight gain, maternal undernutrition, and short stature. However, although LBW and its risk factors are acknowledged in national strategies, LBW is not explicitly defined as a primary public health objective. Publicly available data indicate persistent urban–rural disparities, and limited human resources and gaps in publicly reported neonatal data may hinder effective prevention and early management. Although Albania has made progress in maternal and newborn care, LBW remains insufficiently prioritized within national health strategies. Strengthening monitoring, defining clear targets, and improving equitable resource allocation are essential to enhance prevention and early management.