Two weeks after war broke out in her native Ukraine in 2022, Yuliia reached the Republic of Moldova. Initially, she and her family settled in Balti, but later the family of 4 moved to Chisinau. They chose the Republic of Moldova so that their eldest son, Alexei, then 17, could pursue his dream of becoming a musician. Today, Alexei is a third-year student at the Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts. Yuliia’s little daughter, Svetlana, has also started school.
The Republic of Moldova quickly became a second home to the family. Yuliia calls it their “adoptive country”, explaining that it offered a helping hand when they needed it the most.
“Every child has the right to a peaceful, happy childhood with both parents. These are ordinary, natural things, but they mean so much. As parents, all we wanted was to preserve their childhoods. But in war, that becomes nearly impossible,” Yuliia explains.
Yuliia now works as a copywriter at the National Congress of Ukrainians in the Republic of Moldova, an organization supporting the Ukrainian community in the country. She has always been creative – before the war, she wrote prose for women and teenagers. But lately, writing has become more difficult.
“I’m not ready to write about war. I live in a peaceful setting, but am bound by war. How can anyone write about that? No Ukrainian can truly say they are happy while the country is at war. We’ll be happy when the guns stop.”
“From Moldova,” she adds, “I’ve learned kindness and generosity.”
Free access to health care
When integrating in a new country, having free access to health care is crucial. In the Republic of Moldova, Yuliia’s family has been able to see a doctor whenever they need to. Registering with a family doctor made access to care much easier, as did the availability of modern medical devices.
“Since arriving in Moldova, Svetlana has been vaccinated against polio, measles, mumps and rubella,” Yuliia says. “She received all the medical check-ups required before starting kindergarten and school. Every interaction with the health system was positive for her and for us as parents. We’ve always been treated with respect and received proper medical care.”
Recently, Yuliia’s daughter underwent surgery. Her recovery was swift, and the entire procedure was covered by state insurance.
“What could matter more to a mother than being heard when she asks for help – not being left alone but being supported when her child is ill and suffering? And when the care provided is of high quality – and above all, timely – you can only be grateful for what you receive.”
Working with regional partners
With support from the European Union (EU), United Nations agencies and other international partners, WHO provides technical assistance to the Republic of Moldova’s Ministry of Health and National Health Insurance Company. This ensures access to essential health care for displaced people from Ukraine under temporary protection and registered with a Moldovan family doctor.
The support includes emergency care, primary and specialist medical services for acute and chronic conditions, access to subsidized medications and medical devices, maternal and child health services, and vaccinations.
WHO is also working with the EU and the International Organization for Migration to support countries in improving access to health-care services for refugees and displaced people from Ukraine.
The project “Improving access to health care for refugees and people displaced from Ukraine benefiting from temporary protection in EU Member States” is funded by the EU as part of the 2023 EU4Health work programme. It runs from 2023 to 2025 in 10 European countries: Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Republic of Moldova, Romania and Slovakia.