The National Perinatal Health Service in the Republic of Moldova has been modernized over the past three years and now has the most advanced equipment for safe births. The equipment was donated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as part of the humanitarian response provided to the Government to ensure sexual and reproductive health for Ukrainian refugees and the local population.

The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has equipped 12 Perinatal Centers across the country with state-of-the-art medical equipment, furniture, kits, and consumables. Delivery rooms, obstetric operating rooms, intensive care units for newborns and mothers, post-operative recovery rooms for women, and blood transfusion departments have all been fully modernized.

Additionally, nine out of the 12 Perinatal Centers have each received an A-type ambulance, ensuring the rapid transfer of women at risk of complications and preterm birth to higher-level perinatal centers.

The investments amount to approximately 4 million USD, made possible thanks to UNFPA's efforts in collaboration with other partners, as part of the humanitarian response for refugee women from Ukraine and the local population. Each year, the 12 modernized perinatal hospitals assist with over 18,000 births.

"Maternal health is a priority for us, and we stand with the Ministry of Health in its efforts to strengthen the National Perinatal Health Service in the Republic of Moldova. The equipping and modernization of the 12 perinatal centers reflect UNFPA's commitment to improving perinatal services in the country and ensuring high standards of care for mothers and newborns, including refugees from Ukraine. Together, we are saving lives and helping women give birth safely, even in times of crisis", emphasized Dr. Karina Nersesyan, UNFPA Resident Representative in Moldova.

"The equipment provided to the Perinatal Center in Orhei is not only visually appealing but also very practical. Previously, the operating lights were old, the light would scatter and not be directed where we needed it. The operating table can now be adjusted to any position and runs on batteries, and the newborn table has all the necessary equipment connected, including the oxygen supply and heating", said Natalia Maleica, a nurse in the operating room of the Perinatal Center at the Orhei District Hospital, a refugee from Ukraine.

UNFPA is committed to continuing the strengthening of the perinatology system in the Republic of Moldova by providing modern equipment, adjusting the regulatory framework, and training specialists to ensure the quality of medical services for mothers and newborns.

Similarly, the modernization of the perinatal system will continue in the coming period with the donation of three additional C-type ambulances, as well as the renovation of Level I perinatal centers, including the blood transfusion departments, which are vital for managing perinatal emergencies.

UNFPA expresses its gratitude for the financial support provided by the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Australia in the context of modernizing the perinatal centers.