Moldova

The Context

Moldova hosts more Ukrainian refugees per capita than any other country. More than 1 million Ukrainians have crossed the border since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Today, more than 116,000 remain, waiting for the war to end while trying to navigate the hardship of displacement. The impacts of mental health have been severe: depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder are common among refugee populations, and there are significant gaps in access to mental health services across the region. 

Our Impact

Supporting Refugee Children and Families  

In partnership with our local partner, The Moldova Project, Project HOPE helped establish nine child-friendly safe spaces to provide play spaces, education, mental health, and integration services for Ukrainian children, parents, and caregivers. To date, the nine playrooms have supported 9,035 Ukrainian refugees and host community members, including 6,109 children, with mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services, food, hygiene kits, and medical vouchers. 

In partnership with Casa Marioarei, an organization that supports survivors of domestic violence, Project HOPE helped organize social cohesion activities to facilitate communication, interaction, and faster integration of Ukrainian refugees into their new community. Children participate in activities like games, sports, movies, and interactive classes and adults have access to vocational training courses offering skills in tailoring, sewing, embroidery, crocheting, knitting, weaving, jewelry-making, and more. As part of the vocational training activities, the team organized 47 events and exhibitions bringing together 1,717 Ukrainian refugees and 1,877 host community members, including representatives from local organizations, youth centers, and public institutions from the country. 

Project HOPE’s partner, Regina Pacis Foundation, set up a holistic assistance center for Ukrainian refugees and vulnerable families in Moldova that provides medical and psychological assistance, referrals to health services, and information on how to access education services, asylum procedures, and employment. In 2023, the medical team provided 1,178 primary medical consultations to 379 Ukrainian refugees, 307 of whom benefited from laboratory analyses, consultations with specialized doctors, and basic medications free of charge. 

Health System Strengthening 

Based on a recent needs assessment conducted by Project HOPE’s team in Moldova, we will begin implementing a new, comprehensive program that strives to improve access to quality care for Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan families in vulnerable positions by strengthening the capacity and resilience of the Moldovan health system and modernizing equipment. We will also foster social integration efforts for Ukrainian families looking to stay long term in Moldova.