The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Moldova, with financial support from the U.S. Government, has donated three type-C ambulances to the National Health System for equipping the National Consultative and Inter-Hospital Transfer Service. These ambulances are fully equipped with advanced mobile intensive care devices, enabling the safe transportation of critically ill newborns under optimal conditions.
The ambulances, essential for reducing infant mortality in the Republic of Moldova, were handed over during an official ceremony. This donation, valued at over 8 million MDL, represents a significant step in strengthening the resilience of Moldova's health system amid the refugee crisis, which has increased the demand for medical services, including emergency care nationwide.
"Ambulance procurement is a top priority for the Ministry of Health. Over the past two years, we have provided medical teams with 206 type-A, B, and C ambulances. Today, this number has grown by three, bringing the total to 209 ambulances at a total cost of 268 million MDL. This demonstrates that we can deliver higher-quality medical care directly to the people," stated Dr. Ala Nemerenco, Minister of Health.
"Given the current crisis, there is a critical need for high-quality neonatal medical services. Thanks to these ambulances, we can meet that need. The new vehicles will save the lives of our smallest patients. This event is a wonderful start to the holiday season, knowing that more healthy and happy children will be born in Moldova," remarked Dr. Karina A. Nersesyan, UNFPA Representative in Moldova.
The type-C ambulances are equipped with cutting-edge medical devices, creating mobile intensive care units for critically ill newborns. They include advanced incubators mounted on stretchers, monitoring devices to continuously track the newborn's condition, and essential tools such as artificial ventilation systems, defibrillators, suction devices, laryngoscopes, emergency kits, and consumables. The equipment operates on an independent power system, ensuring uninterrupted functionality throughout the transfer process, enabling the safe inter-hospital transportation of critically ill newborns for specialized care.
"This donation underscores the United States' ongoing commitment, along with other partners, to support Moldova's efforts in providing the highest quality medical services to all citizens, including refugees from Ukraine. It is a privilege to be part of such an impactful project," said Kevin Covert, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i. in Moldova.
In addition to this donation, UNFPA, with the support of its donors, continues to equip Moldova's health institutions with modern training tools such as mannequins and anatomical models. These tools are crucial for developing the practical skills of medical professionals, including students, residents, and mid-level healthcare staff, in obstetrics and gynecology. In 2024, UNFPA and the U.S. Government will donate a batch of mannequins to the National Emergency Medical Assistance Center and Bălți Clinical Hospital to strengthen the capacity of healthcare professionals in sexual and reproductive health. The total value of this batch is over 800,000 MDL.
These initiatives are part of UNFPA’s broader effort to support the Ministry of Health in enhancing the capacity of Moldova’s national health system to provide high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare services and to meet the increased demand for medical services caused by the refugee crisis. UNFPA reaffirms its commitment to supporting Moldova in building a resilient health system, ensuring equal access to quality obstetric and gynecological services for both Ukrainian refugees and the local population.
In 2023, the National Emergency Medical Assistance Service responded to approximately 742,000 requests, managing an average of up to 2,000 emergencies daily.
