Lina Brandt - Team Leader
Ms. Lina Brandt is a Public Health Expert with extensive experience in international public health project management, health system strengthening, and research-to-policy engagements across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. She has supported donor-funded projects, including those by GIZ, the EU, and Gavi, demonstrating strong adaptability and expertise in compliance, monitoring, and evaluation. Her professional competencies include quantitative and qualitative data analysis, policy research, and stakeholder engagement. Lina has contributed to projects in Lebanon, Mozambique, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Lao PDR, providing coordination, expert consultancies, and evaluations in diverse health contexts.
Filip Vila - Outcome 1 Leader for Health Emergency Services
Dr. Filip VILA is the appointed Outcome Leader for Health Emergency System. He is a medical doctor with a Master in Management and Organisation of Institutions and Health Services. In the last 7 years as Director of Social Services, Housing and Public Health at the Municipality of Shkodra, as well as through previous positions, he has gathered significant experience in public health, PHC and social services at municipality level, including organisational development of PHC centres and restructuring the system of public health and social services. Moreover, he has extensive expertise with health emergencies and capacity building of health personnel and admin staff on health emergency management. Dr. Vila is well connected with relevant stakeholders at central and local level in the fields of PHC and health emergencies. His vast experience in both the public health sector and development cooperation projects position him well in the project team.
Ervin Toçi - Outcome 2 Leader for Emergency Medical Services
Dr. Ervin Toçi is the appointed Outcome Leader for Emergency Medical Services. He is a medical doctor with an International Master's in Public Health. In the last years Dr. Toçi has led the Integrated Health Information sector at the Institute of Public Health and a full-time lecturer at the Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine in Tirana. For about two years Dr. Toçi has been the National Correspondent of Albania to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). Dr. Toçi has been involved in numerous research projects organized by the Institute of Public Health and relevant stakeholders, including both national and international projects. He is an expert evaluator of the various activities of Health and Social Care Quality Assurance Agency. Dr. Toçi’s expertise includes public health, epidemiology, statistics and research methods. He holds the degree “Associate Professor”.
Mirela Çela - Deputy team leader
Dr. Mirela Cela is a medical doctor who graduated from the University of Tirana, where she also completed her specialization in Psychiatry. She holds a m1aster's degree in Psychiatry and a PhD in Neuroscience, reflecting her deep commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Her career began in community-based roles, where she worked as a social worker in primary healthcare ambulatory services, followed by her clinical practice as a psychiatrist at the Mother Teresa Psychiatric Hospital. These early experiences shaped her strong dedication to patient care and community well-being. For over a decade, Dr. Cela has been deeply involved in improving healthcare quality, safety, and accreditation in Albania. She served in leadership positions at the National Center for Quality and Accreditation of Health Institutions, first as Head of the Patient Safety, Risk Management, and Patient Rights Sector, and later as Director of the Center. During this time, she has actively contributed to developing national strategies, standards, and clinical protocols, with a focus on both hospital and primary healthcare services and has collaborated on various important projects with international organizations such as UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), etc. In addition to her professional and policy work, she has a rich background in education as a lecturer at the University of Tirana, including the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Technical Medical Sciences, delivering courses such as Sociology, Mental Health, and Community Rehabilitation. She has also lectured at non-public universities, where she has covered subjects such as Health and Safety in the Workplace, Healthcare Ethics, Politics, Law and Regulation, and Clinical Psychology. Since 2023, Dr. Mirela Cela has been part of the SOLIDAR project team, where she serves as Deputy Team Leader and Outcome Leader for Component 3: “Enhancing Community Engagement in Emergency Preparedness and Response.” In this role, she continues to bring her expertise and passion to strengthen Albania’s healthcare system and support community resilience in the face of emergencies.
Evis Sferdelli - Finance Manager & Admin
Ms Evis SFERDELLI covers the role of admin and finance manager. She is the coordinator of the GFA branch in Albania and has many years of experience with procurement and financial management. She is able to apply a broad understanding of financial management principals to ensure decisions are fiscally responsible and in line with the procurement budget. She is a great manager of relationships with all key stakeholders. With her strong negotiation skills, she is able to explore positions and alternatives to reach outcomes that are in line with the strategic procurement objectives.
Drilona Topi - Monitoring & Evaluation officer
Ms. Drilona Topi is an Environmental Engineer by training and holds a master’s in environmental management. She is experienced in handling a wide range of administrative and executive support related tasks.
Igli Baxhaja - Driver
Mr. Igli Baxhaja has joint the team in April 2024. He is a nurse by training, who transitioned into logistics and hospitalization sector in the late ’90. He is a Reliable and focused Driver with a high reputation for punctuality and flexibility.
