Grenell praises Evis Sala: Albania is lucky to have her as a minister, a world leader in oncology

American diplomat Richard Grenell has publicly praised the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Evis Sala, following her inclusion on the list of the 100 most influential women in the world in oncology for 2026.

In a post on the X platform, Grenell congratulated Sala on the recognition, while also reserving special praise for her role in leading Albania’s healthcare sector.

“Congratulations, Evis! Albanians are lucky to have her as their Minister of Health. She is a world leader in oncology,” Grenell wrote, adding that her work is making a difference for people facing cancer.

Grenell’s reaction came after the international platform OncoDaily included Prof. Evis Sala on its “100 Influential Women in Oncology 2026” list. Sala is among the first ten names presented on the list, which highlights the contributions of influential women in scientific research, cancer treatment and cancer policy, Albeu.com reports.

Evis Sala has headed the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare since September 2025. Before joining the government, she pursued a long academic and medical career at leading international institutions, including the University of Cambridge, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and Policlinico Gemelli in Rome.

According to her official profile, Sala is the author of hundreds of scientific publications and an expert in oncological imaging, radiogenomics and the use of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Grenell’s public praise adds to the attention surrounding the Albanian minister’s inclusion on the international list of influential figures in oncology. /albeu.com/