Kosovo faces rising youth suicide attempts and healthcare challenges

Kosovo UNICEF mental health healthcare system firearms investigation

UNICEF has reported an alarming increase in suicide attempts among 15- and 16-year-old students in Kosovo, with rates rising from 3.4% in 2011 to 10% in 2024. Zeinab Hijazi, UNICEF’s global lead for mental health, noted that psychological distress is often linked to socio-economic factors such as poverty, inequality, and violence.

Separately, a European Commission report on Kosovo’s healthcare highlights a significant gap between policy and practice. While the 2025 health budget reached 358.8 million euros, the report notes that essential medicines remain unavailable and 40% of healthcare costs are paid out-of-pocket by citizens. The report also flagged a decline in routine MMR vaccination rates, which fell from 89% to 82%, and noted low vaccination rates below 40% among Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities.

In Gjakovë, authorities are investigating the unauthorized sale of over 110 firearms from a licensed shooting range. A suspect, identified by the initials V. C., is accused of selling the weapons and subsequently filing a false report claiming they were stolen. Two other individuals are currently at large in connection with the case.

Entities

Albania · Association of Journalists of Albania · European Commission · Gjakovë · Glidona Daci · Klan News · Kosovo Police · Reporters Without Borders · UNICEF · Zeinab Hijazi

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The 2025 health budget in Kosovo reached 358.8 million euros. gazetashneta.net
[● 2 SOURCES] Multiple cases of domestic violence were reported in various Kosovo cities on November 2 and 3. gazeta10.com · gazetametro.net
[● 3 SOURCES] V. C. is suspected of selling over 110 firearms from a shooting range in Gjakovë. teve1.info · gazeta.mk · telegrafi.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Suicide attempts among 15- and 16-year-old students in Kosovo rose to 10% in 2024. www.arbresh.info · albeu.com
[● 3 SOURCES] V. C. allegedly reported the firearms as stolen to the Kosovo Police. teve1.info · gazeta.mk · telegrafi.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] MMR vaccination coverage in Kosovo fell from 89% to 82%. gazetashneta.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] The suspect in the stolen car case fled the scene after a police chase in Arllat. drenicaonline.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] A white Volkswagen Caddy was recovered in Arllat after being reported stolen in Prishtina. drenicaonline.com