Program Spotlight: Rehabilitation for Survivors of the Nightclub Fire in North Macedonia

Following the tragic nightclub fire that claimed 65 lives and injured over 150 people in March 2025 in Kočani, North Macedonia, Project HOPE’s Balkans team stepped in to support more than 80 survivors who sustained severe burn injuries and scarring.

“Each survivor’s recovery is a journey of resilience,” said Vlatko Uzevski, Project HOPE’s Regional Manager for the Balkans. “Seeing people progress after this tragedy reminds us of why these collaborations matter. Together we are helping survivors move beyond their injuries, health, and rebuild their lives.”

To date, Project HOPE has delivered vital rehabilitation supplies to the General Hospital in Kočani, including compression garments, silicone scar sheets, and other therapeutic materials – all of which are essential for improving recovery outcomes, restoring physical function, and enhancing patients’ quality of life. Moving forward, Project HOPE will be supporting the fitting of additional compression garments, silicone scar sheets, silicone prothesis, and other therapeutic materials to support patients’ long-term recovery.

This collaboration stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and partnerships when responding to a tragedy. Through the joint efforts of Project HOPE, the State Chancellery of North Rhine-Westphalia, and Petra Drexler, Ambassador of Germany to North Macedonia, , survivors of the Kočani nightclub fire are regaining independence, dignity, and hope for the future.