UNICEF will provide assistance in de-institutionalizing children with disabilities, preventing child separation from the family environment, developing alternative services, and enhancing the capacity of child protection professionals active at the local level. The statement was made by the new UNICEF representative in Moldova, Ms Desiree Jongsma at today's meeting with the Minister of Health, Labor and Social Protection, Stela Grigoraş.

After discussion, Stela Grigoraş congratulated Desiree Jongsma on her new mandate in Moldova, expressing her appreciation for the constant support and assistance of UNICEF in the field of child protection and assuring her that social protection of children remains a priority for the ministry.

"For more than 20 years, UNICEF has been a reliable partner of Moldova government in implementing measures to protect our children," the minister said.

Representative Desiree Jongsma stressed the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration for the successful launch of programs.

Likewise, she reiterated UNICEF's support in reforms of child protection field and implementation of Sustainable Development Objectives.