Linked Network Facilitators chatted with representatives from the Steering Committee to learn more about their experiences working in immunisation, what they are most looking forward to from the network, as well as some fun, personal facts about themselves. This spotlight features Dafina Gexha-Bunjaku, Deputy Minister of Health, Ministry of Health, Kosovo.
Welcome to the Linked Immunisation Action Network. What are you most hoping to get out of the network? Which benefits are you most excited to take advantage of and why?
I see the network as an excellent platform to share expertise and experience among the Steering Committee on vaccine policy-making, research, program management, partnerships, funding initiatives. Discussions on the implementation of the immunization program such as coordination of large-scale immunization programs, community engagement and advocacy and using data to inform policy decisions are also very important.
What experiences are you most excited to bring to the Steering Committee?
Kosovo historically has a very good experience on implementation of the Immunisation programme. I would be very happy to share the experience of introduction and high uptake of the new vaccines, where the activities and implementation were tailored based on the behavioral data.
What do you do professionally? How did you get started in your professional line of work?
I am an Epidemiologist and have been engaged for twenty years in Public Health. Initially I was involved in the HIV national program, then on communicable diseases surveillance at the National Institute of Public Health. During 2021-2025 I was appointed as Deputy Minister of Health, with the focus on public health. I am very happy that during this time Kosovo has made significant progress on prevention and control of communicable diseases, including vaccine-preventable diseases.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
There is limited time outside of work, for me. I try to do my best to spend time with my family, and I prefer to travel all together and visit new places.
Dafina Gexha-Bunjaku is a medical doctor, specialized in Epidemiology. She has a long career in public health and played a key role in preparedness and response to COVID-19 in Kosovo. She served as the Deputy Minister of Health in the Republic of Kosovo. Her role was vital in amending and developing Public Health legislation, policies, strategies in particular on communicable diseases and health security. During this period, the MoH budget for vaccines was increased fivefold, and it updated the vaccination schedule and introduction of three new vaccines in 2023 in Kosovo (PCV, Rotavirus and HPV vaccines).