From the maternal calm of her hometown of Mykolaiv, Ukraine, to the quiet of a hospital in Orhei, Natalia Meleca’s journey has been one marked by pain, but also by courage and hope. In April 2022, Natalia fled with her family from the bombings that were destroying everything in their path. After 27 years of working at the maternity hospital in Mykolaiv, she left behind a place she called home and started a new life in the Republic of Moldova, holding on to the hope that she could continue supporting her colleagues in hospitals and bring a sense of normalcy to a world torn apart by war.

“When I realized the war wouldn’t end soon, I thought I should go and ask if they would hire me. They welcomed me with open arms,” says Natalia in a calm yet deeply grateful voice. It was a difficult transition - not just in terms of place, but also language. At first, she didn’t speak Romanian and often communicated through gestures, but her colleagues were always there to support her throughout the integration process. “If it hadn’t been for my colleagues, I don’t know if I would have made it. They helped me learn medical terms, supported me, and made me feel at home here - just like I do in Ukraine,” she shares.

Today, Natalia assists with childbirth at the Perinatal Center in Orhei, fulfilling the same role she once had in Ukraine in perinatal surgery. Her entire career has been devoted to bringing new life into the world and caring for pregnant women. “I absolutely love being present at the birth of a child. These are moments full of positive emotion - when life begins and you witness a miracle right before your eyes.”

Although Moldova has given her the opportunity to continue practicing what she loves, Natalia feels the ache of homesickness every single day. “Everything is fine here, but I can’t help missing home. All my memories, my whole life are there. I have no words for what I feel,” she says, her eyes filling with tears.

Her work is essential - performed behind the scenes, in the shadows of the bright lights of the operating room. Every day, she ensures that everything is ready for surgical procedures - from preparing instruments and the operating room to maintaining cleanliness after operations. She is also responsible for the safety of the patients, making sure every procedure takes place under perfectly sterile conditions. “When a child is born, it is pure joy for me. I am genuinely happy for the women bringing new life into the world. It is a great happiness,” Natalia says, her warm smile shining through.

Thanks to the support provided by UNFPA, the operating room at the Perinatal Center in Orhei is now equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology. Natalia recalls with gratitude the moment she learned to use the new equipment. “The equipment is not only modern, but also incredibly practical. Before, the surgical lamps were old—the light would scatter and not focus where we needed it. Now, the operating table can be adjusted into any position and works on battery power, and the newborn station is fully equipped - with an oxygen source and heating system. This helps us tremendously during childbirth.”

Natalia Meleca’s story is one of perseverance and a deep desire to contribute to a better world. She plays a vital role in ensuring maternal and newborn health, even in the most challenging circumstances.