Learning to Plan Anew: Natalia's Journey as a Ukrainian Refugee Giving Birth in Moldova

Together with her partner, they made the decision to bring their child into the world in Moldova, where this week, they welcomed their eagerly awaited baby boy named Adrian-David, born on St. Andrew's Day, on 13th of December, at the Mother and Child Institute in Chișinău.

Amidst challenges, the medical professionals at the Mother and Child Institute, led by Dr. Sergiu Gladun and the dedicated medical staff played a pivotal role in ensuring a safe delivery for Natalia and her son. Expressing her gratitude, Natalia emphasized the exceptional care received and the significance of the support provided. Weighing a healthy 3,900 grams, both the baby and Natalia are in good health and emotional wellbeing. Currently residing in Chișinău, Natalia plans to stay in Moldova until her little one grows a bit older.

"It's so frightening not knowing when we can return home. We lived in limbo for over two years, and now we understand the need to plan for the future in our current situation because life goes on", she said.

The Mother and Child Institute, an implementing partner organization  of  UNFPA, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, has been instrumental in facilitating over 5,000 births annually, with 156 births since the Ukrainian war began. Despite initial concerns about giving birth in a foreign country, Natalia was impressed by the modern facilities and high standards of care provided by the medical team.

Since the war began, over a million Ukrainian citizens have sought refuge in the Republic of Moldova, with 110,000 remaining in the country, mostly women and children. The ourney to Moldova has been challenging, but the care provided by the host population and the state system ensures their safety.

"I felt very safe throughout my time in Moldova. It seems like a short distance between my hometown and Chisinau, but the difference is enormous. War deprived us of minimal security and necessities. Peace is a supreme value, and I hope the sky above Moldova remains peaceful".

To date, UNFPA has delivered crucial financial resources to the National Health Insurance Company (CNAM) budget, covering reproductive health services for the refugee population. This partnership ensures that Ukrainian refugees benefit from free gynecological and obstetric services and care. 

UNFPA has also supported the reproductive health system by providing state-of-the-art medical equipment to healthcare institutions, marking a qualitative leap in reproductive healthcare services. To date, UNFPA has equipped nine strategically important medical institutions in the country, contributing to the safe delivery of approximately 15,000 babies every year. Modern equipment in intensive care units is vital for saving newborns in critical conditions. UNFPA has also supplied 20 ambulances for the pre-hospital emergency care system and 9 ambulances for perinatal centers nationwide.

The total value of support for the reproductive health system amounts up  to seven millions of dollars, underscoring UNFPA's commitment to ensuring safe births and quality healthcare in Moldova during challenging times.