An updated COVID-19 Response and Recovery Plan has been developed by UN Moldova and the Government of Moldova

The country has passed through a lockdown period forcing businesses, public institutions and schools to close, while all flights were cancelled. New restrictions and preventive measures have been put in place, making all citizens learn how to live in the new normal.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is far more than just a health crisis: it has affected the life of every citizen, the whole of the Republic of Moldova, and nearly every aspect of its social and economic life.

To offer immediate and long-term support to the Republic of Moldova for socio-economic response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic the UN Moldova in cooperation with the Government has designed the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Plan based on the assessments of the impacts carried out. The Plan is intended to reduce the country’s vulnerability to the pandemic, enabling a transparent, human-rights-compliant, gender-sensitive and effective recovery process.

”While we have been fighting the pandemic, one thing has become clear: global challenges require strong commitment and coordinated efforts and actions at all levels and from all stakeholders, solidarity and sustainable partnerships”, highlighted Ion Chicu, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova.

The socio-economic response framework consists of five strategic pillars to protect the needs and human rights of people living under the effects of the pandemic, with particular focus on the most vulnerable and marginalized groups and persons who risk being left behind:

• Health First
• Protecting people
• Economic Response&Recovery
• Macroeconomic Response and Multilateral Collaboration
• Social Cohesion and Community Resilience.

 “The Socio-economic Response and Recovery Plan is focused on supporting the Government of the Republic of Moldova to tackle the health emergency as well, to address the social and economic impact of the pandemic, and to contribute to the principle of leaving no one behind (LNOB)”, mentioned Simon Springett, UN Moldova Resident Coordinator.

The total budget of the Plan stands at US$ 106 million, of which US$ 12 million has already been committed with the support of 18 donors. The Plan contains 99 projects/actions through over 40 partnerships.

Required & Funded by Pillar

The United Nations in Moldova was actively involved in COVID-19 preparedness planning prior to the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. It has been in constant communication with the Government of Moldova, particularly with the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Protection (MHLSP), offering support in three main areas: health system preparedness, technical support and capacity building, and information and communication on COVID-19.

Worldwide the pandemic has claimed more than 1 million lives and infected over 30 million people in 190 countries.  Infections are rising and there are troubling signs of new waves.