UNICEF and IOM: EU Support Enhanced Access to Essential Services for Families in Moldova, including Refugees

In collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (MLSP) and Chisinau Municipality, UNICEF has positively impacted the lives of approximately 59,000 children and their caregivers, including refugees, providing higher-quality child protection and social services. Over half of these beneficiaries are girls and women. UNICEF and IOM have also played a pivotal role in assisting the government to develop and adopt crucial decisions and regulations, enhancing child protection and social assistance frameworks. Their efforts include recruiting additional consultants and experts to support central authorities.

"As we work to support the most vulnerable children and families, we are witnessing significant improvements in the provision of protection, education, and health services. This collaborative partnership is not only addressing immediate needs but also strengthening systems and laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable development. By enhancing the quality of these essential services, we are making a profound and lasting impact on the lives of thousands of children and their caregivers. Our collective endeavors are fundamentally transforming the landscape of child welfare in Moldova, building a more resilient and promising future for all children," said Maha Damaj, UNICEF Representative in Moldova.

UNICEF's focus on education has involved training more than 2,000 educators to support and integrate Ukrainian children into Moldova's formal and non-formal education systems. This initiative has included early childhood education staff trained in playful learning pedagogy, child-centred approaches, and psychosocial support. As a result, around 26,000 children have developed vital soft skills, such as creativity, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Thirty thousand children will soon acquire social and emotional skills, including empathy, acceptance, and tolerance. Thanks to EU support, IOM has rehabilitated three playgrounds and equipped two schools, fostering social cohesion among local and Ukrainian children. UNICEF has contributed by building the capacity in STEAM fields for adolescents from the most disadvantaged areas, addressing gender inequalities, and reshaping public perceptions of the role of young people in information and communication technology.

“Thanks to this EU-funded project, IOM in Moldova has achieved tangible and impactful results in key sectors such as protection, health, education, micro-business through direct and policy-level assistance, in collaboration with Moldovan institutions. Playgrounds mean more opportunities for Ukrainian refugees, migrants and Moldavans to meet, interact and share valuable time within the local community. Sports equipment for school students also means psycho and physical well-being and education for a healthy life. Supporting Moldova's health system and breast cancer prevention, early detection and diagnosis means strengthening quality services for Moldovans and refugees and long-term response actions. Financial assistance to microbusinesses for both Ukrainian and Moldovan refugees means that Moldova's socio-economic development can come through joint efforts and collaborations. Thank you, European Union,” said Lars Johan Lönnback, outgoing IOM Moldova’s Chief of Mission. 

In the health sector, IOM, in partnership with the National Health Insurance Company and the Ministry of Health, has ensured Ukrainian refugees' access to health services. More than 3,400 refugees have received emergency healthcare, and around 1,300 have accessed primary healthcare. Additionally, seven patients have undergone 920 dialysis sessions, and 511 patients have received cancer care. IOM has also delivered cancer medicines and medical equipment to the Oncology Institute. Furthermore, IOM has created socio-economic opportunities for vulnerable families in Moldova, including refugees. This includes cash for skills training for 129 Ukrainian refugees and local community members, online skills training for 20 individuals, and cash for microgrants for 90 participants. Additionally, 407 people have received job counselling sessions, and 20 entrepreneurs have benefited from grants.

For more details read this document UNICEF and IOM: better life for Moldovan and Ukrainian families

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For more information, please contact:

IOM Moldova: Riccardo Severi, Communications and Public Information Officer, rseveri@iom.int 

UNICEF Moldova: Valeria Dumitriu, Communications Officer, vdumitriu@unicef.org