UNHCR Provides 20 Local Hospitals in the Republic of Moldova with Anaesthesia Machines to Support Inclusive Healthcare

UNHCR Provides 20 Local Hospitals in the Republic of Moldova with Anaesthesia Machines to Support Inclusive Healthcare
© UNHCR/ Salahaldeen Abdulrahman

Chisinau, 20 June 2023 – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, handed over 22 anaesthesia machines to local hospitals in the Republic of Moldova to improve access to healthcare for refugees and host communities. The machines have been distributed to hospitals across the raions (regions), where they will contribute to providing better and more inclusive healthcare for all.

This is just one element of UNHCR’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the overall national services that the people and Government of Moldova have generously made available and accessible for refugees.

“We are working together, hand in hand with our donors, and the Government of Moldova to strengthen the country’s protection and social services,” said Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR representative. ” Improving the quality of services available will benefit not only refugees but Moldovans as well.”

Moldova provides essential health services to refugees, including vaccinations, mental health support, and maternal and child health services on an equal basis as to Moldovans.“Moldova is committed to ensuring that our health system provides support and care for all, including refugees,” said Ala Nemerenco, Minister of Health of the Republic of Moldova. “To achieve this end, we need to work to ensure that our healthcare facilities are adequately equipped to provide quality healthcare services to everyone.”

The United States provides critical support to UNHCR, including to the refugee response in the Republic of Moldova. This vital support has helped strengthen national capacities to accommodate and provide services to refugees generously hosted by Moldova since the start of the conflict in Ukraine last year.

“The United States works closely with our international partners and local communities to provide healthcare to refugees in Moldova and the communities that host them,” said Kent Logsdon, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova. “We are investing in Moldova’s future by supporting better, more inclusive healthcare.”

In March of this year, the Government of Moldova activated a temporary protection programme for refugees from Ukraine and their families. Temporary protection is a huge step forward in ensuring refugee inclusion in Moldova, including more stable access to legal status, rights, and services like healthcare.

Despite many pressing economic challenges and limited resources, Moldovans have opened their country and their homes to refugees. Over 822,000 Ukrainian refugees entered the country since the 24^th of February 2022 and over 101,835 Ukrainian refugees remain, almost half of whom are children.

UNHCR is grateful for the support from our top government donors and for the generous contributions from individuals and the private sector.

European Union l France l Iceland l Italy l Japan l Denmark l the United States of America

UNHCR is also grateful for the support provided by donors who have contributed to global UNHCR programmes with broadly earmarked and unearmarked funds.