«We needed assistance after the war broke out. When we arrived in this Accommodation Centre, we received health assistance, medicines, hygiene kits and food supplies» says 33- year-old Oxana, a mother of three. Her story is unique, yet similar to that of many refugees forced to flee their homeland in Ukraine to seek safety in Moldova.
«I am truly grateful to be here. We have been living in fear for so long, hearing the sound of sirens day and night» says Oxana housed at Refugee Accommodation Center on Testemitanu street.
From August 2022, CUAMM has been working in partnership with UNICEF and national authorities to guarantee access to healthcare services to around 1000 people sheltered in 5 Refugee Accommodation Center (RACs) in Chisinau, Moldova. They are mainly children, adolescents and their families. The centers offer to vulnerable groups access to basic health services such as routine immunization, medical checkups for children, distribution of essential medicines and hygiene kits, as well as health promotion activities and community engagement. In particular, more than 250 residents of the RACs, among which around 100 children took part in an immunization campaign against communicable diseases including screening sessions and awareness raising activities. Moreover, the project also allowed around 1500 women and children to access essential medicines.
«This is a safe space, where kids feel good and calm. As a mother, this is the most important thing for me. The health staff is very supportive and we know we can reach out to them any time. At the moment, for example, the youngest of my kids is suffering from pharyngitis, has fever and I see now and then she has difficulties breathing, fortunately in this place she can receive timely and quality care. We are in good hands and I am grateful for that» says Oxana.
Mothers, fathers, family members, and/or caregivers are provided daily with informative materials and counseling on health-related topics, including immunization and nutrition, aiming at sensitizing around 1100 people while children are engaged in child-friendly activities organized within a safe environment.
Since the conflict broke out on 24th February, 2022, over 869.000 people crossed the border seeking refuge in Moldova. 59% of which are women, 46% children and 20% elderly. As reported by UNHCR in the latest release more than 106.000 refugees remained in Moldova. Thanks to the partnership with UNICEF, CUAMM has been working in close collaboration with the Moldovan Ministry of Health to respond to the refugee crisis in the country, with the twofold objective of providing primary healthcare to Ukrainian refugees and offering specialized training on neonatal care to Moldovan health professionals.
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