UNFPA Moldova in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova has expanded access to colposcopy services by modernizing 12 colposcopy units throughout the country. This effort aims to create a digital network that will bring colposcopy services closer to every woman in the Republic of Moldova.

The modernization of these colposcopy units marks a significant change in the approach to the diagnosis of cervical cancer. This will help reduce the incidence of cervical cancer by early identification of precancerous lesions.

The National Colposcopy Network is composed of 12 Colposcopy Clinics within the following institutions: Drochia, Soroca, Bălți, Ungheni, Orhei, Căuşeni, Comrat, Ceadîr-Lungă, Cahul District Hospitals, Municipal Hospital „Gheorghe Paladi”. These regional units will work in coordination and under the guidance of specialists from the Oncology Institute and the Mother and Child Institute.

„The modernization of these colposcopy units represents a change in the way we diagnose cervical cancer. Together, we created a digital network that brings health services closer to women and will increase their survival rate", said Nigina Abaszada, UNFPA Moldova Resident Representative.

The launch event of the National Colposcopy Network took place with the participation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Moldova, Ala Nemerenco, the Resident Representative of UNFPA Moldova, Nigina Abaszada, the Representative of the Foreign Affairs Office of the British Embassy in Chisinau (UK AID), Pippa Bown, the Director of the Mother and Child Institute, Sergiu Gladun, the Director of the Oncological Institute, Ruslan Baltaga, and the directors of the beneficiary district hospitals, the medical staff, the colposcopy specialists from across the country, who were connected online.

Once the network was opened, women who will go to the family doctor's office for the cytology test and will need additional colposcopy investigations, will be able to do make them in the district, closer to their home, without having to go to receive these services in Chisinau, as has happened so far.

The investment for the creation of the National Colposcopy Network is 635 thousand US dollars and was made with the support of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and with the financial support of the British Government.

This initiative is part of the efforts to strengthen cervical cancer prevention services in the Republic of Moldova, according to the Action Plan regarding the implementation of the National Cancer Control Program for the years 2016-2025. UNFPA Moldova remains committed to contributing to the improvement of the reproductive health of women in Moldova and to the fight against cervical cancer.