On November 11th, the Opening Ceremony of the `Alliance Against Depression` was successfully held in Tirana, marking a significant milestone for mental health care in Albania and the official launch of MENTBEST.

Arlinda Cerga Pashoja, Principal Investigator of MENTBEST in Albania, Project Coordinator Gentiana Qirjako, and Research Officer Arilda Dushaj welcomed over 71 participants, including policymakers from central and local levels, as well as professionals from medicine, psychology, education, law enforcement, media, and other fields. The event also brought together representatives from vulnerable communities, all united by a common mission: improving mental health for everyone.

Special thanks were given to Ledia Lazeri, Regional Adviser for Mental Health at WHO Europe; Deputy Minister of Health Prof. Mira Rakacolli; Deputy Mayor of Tirana Keti Luarasi; and MENTBEST spokesperson Luixhino Hala, who shared their vision for improving mental health services and raising awareness. In addition to video screenings and presentations, several interactive booths engaged participants with mental health resources, including demonstrations of the iFD Platform, a mental health awareness quiz, an art exhibition by young people on mental health themes, and a session on the systemic psychotherapy approach to depression.

The event highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors to address mental health issues, and the success of the opening ceremony sets a positive tone for the continued work of the MENTBEST project. As it moves forward, the engagement fostered at the event will play a key role in enhancing mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and improving access to mental health care in Albania.