Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University “Fehmi Agani” of Gjakova, National Institute of Public Health Pristina, Serbia
Prof. Assoc. Dr. Antigona Ukëhaxhaj is a distinguished public health specialist at the National Institute of Public Health, Pristina, Kosovo. With a professional journey starting in 1999, she has actively contributed to major public health strategies, national and international research initiatives, and academic leadership roles. Currently serving as head of the Laboratory for Environmental and Health Monitoring at IKSHP, she is also a respected academic figure at the University “Fehmi Agani” in Gjakova, where she previously served as dean of the Faculty of Medicine.
Profile
Orcid
🎓 Education
Dr. Ukëhaxhaj earned her Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Pristina in 2016 and later completed her PhD at the “Kirij i Metodij” University in North Macedonia. Her doctoral studies began at the Andrija Stampar School of Public Health in Zagreb. She also completed her specialization in Public Health in 2005, laying a strong foundation for her contributions to medical and public health research and policy.
💼 Professional Experience
With over 17 years of academic experience, Dr. Ukëhaxhaj has served at the University of Pristina, “Fehmi Agani” University, and “Fama” College. She worked as an assistant from 2005 to 2015 and later became vice-dean and dean at “Fehmi Agani” University. In parallel, she has contributed to the National Institute of Public Health since 1999 and currently leads the Laboratory for Environmental Health, supporting critical national projects and surveillance programs.
🔬 Research Interest
Her research focuses on water and food safety, intra-hospital infection prevention, air pollution (indoor & outdoor), climate change and health, and pandemic preparedness. She also works on heatwave response, risk communication, and health system resilience through evidence-based guidelines, protocols, and SOP development.
🏆 Awards and Honors
Prof. Ukëhaxhaj is a nominee for the Best Researcher Award by Environmental Scientist Awards. Her impactful coordination of WHO and UNDP projects, leadership in EU and US-funded health initiatives, and active academic contributions highlight her excellence in scientific research and public health innovation.
📚 Publications
Ambient Air Quality and Hospital Admissions in Gjakova
Environments, 2025; 12(5), 162
👉 Cited by: N/A
Indoor Air Quality and Health Symptoms in Kosovo
Buildings, 2024, 14, 2579
👉 Cited by: N/A
ICF and Goal Attainment in Free Clinic for Diabetics
Italian Journal of Medicine, 2024, 18:1774.
👉 DOI | Cited by: N/A
Vitamin D, Physical Performance and Lifestyle in Kosovars
European Journal of Nutrition, 2024, 63:821–834.
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Nutrition & Lifestyle Knowledge in Diabetic Patients
International Journal of Biomedicine, 2024, 14(1):110-117.
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Frantz Tumor – Rare Pancreatic Neoplasm
International Journal of Biomedicine, 2024.
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Sources of Indoor Air Pollution in Schools in Kosovo
Buildings, 2023, 13(3):668.
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Air Pollution Effects on Children’s Health Visits
IJERPH, 2022, 19, 10141.
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Particulate Air Pollution & Primary Care Visits
IJERPH, 2022, 19.
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Mental Health and Nursing Students’ COVID-19 Readiness
Open Public Health Journal, 2023, 17.
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Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health
Int. J. Biology and Biomedical Engineering, 2021, 15:202–211.
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Lead and Hemoglobin Levels in Mitrovica Children
Medical Archives, 2014, 68(5):324-328.
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Air Pollution’s Influence on Cardiovascular Morbidity
Medical Archives, 2013, 67(6):438-441.
👉 PubMed Link
🏁 Conclusion
Prof. Assoc. Dr. Antigona Ukëhaxhaj presents a strong, compelling profile for the Best Researcher Award, particularly for her long-standing and diverse contributions to public health and environmental science. Her track record of academic leadership, international collaboration, and impactful research on air and water quality and public health policy makes her a highly suitable candidate for recognition.