The UN Population Fund in Moldova (UNFPA) offered a lot of protective equipment and disinfectants for the employees of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), including the 36 territorial subdivisions. UNFPA donated the equipment in the context of preventing and combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, there were donated six thousand masks, 12 thousand gloves, two infrared thermometers, and 1248 litres of disinfectants. This action is part of UNFPA commitment to support the Republic of Moldova, including national institutions, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to support the prevention of COVID-19 among the population.

"UNFPA values the strategic partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics for continuous improvement of data collection and dissemination. Availability of disaggregated data on population are essential at all times, especially in emergencies like COVID pandemic. We will continue to support the NBS in achieving their results and commitments and trust that this equipment will help every employee of the institution to feel safe and protected at work," Nigina Abaszada, UNFPA Resident Representative in Moldova, said.

"We are grateful to the UN Population Fund in Moldova, which, in these difficult times, are here to support our employees with necessary protective equipment. The donation will help NBS protect the health of each employee and ensure the qualitative and timely production of statistical data," said the NBS general director, Mr. Vitalie Valcov.

UNFPA, as part of the Country Program for 2018-2022, carries out, in partnership with the NBS, several large-scale programs in the area of data production and dissemination. These programmes include the revision of the population number at the national and local levels and estimation of cross-border and internal migration, in line with international standards, as well as the development of an integrated information system for the demographic statistics.

UNFPA, as part of the UN Moldova team, together with development partners, supports the national response to the pandemic through activities that aim to protect people, increase the capacity of the health care system and reduce economic and social disturbance.