The World Health Organization's Regional Office for Europe will further support reforms in the health system of Moldova. The statement was made by Nedret Emiroglu, director of WHO's Department of Emergencies in the Field of Health and Communicable Diseases, who met with the Minister of Health, Labor and Social Protection Svetlana Cebotari.

The visit is part of the ongoing collaboration between the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the Government of Moldova and reflects the joint objectives under the Biennial Collaboration Agreement for the years 2018-2019.

"With the signing of the Biennial Collaboration Agreement for 2018-2019 with the WHO, we have made commitments to prevent transmissible and non-communicable diseases, including mental health and substance abuse, to strengthen the health system, including the provision of integrated services , access to medicines and the health information system I am sure that WHO support will help us achieve positive results in these areas so that citizens feel safe and have access to high-quality medical services", said Minister of Health, Labor and Social Protection, Svetlana Cebotari.

In return, director Nedret Emiroglu mentioned that the WHO Regional Office for Europe is ready to further support reforms in the healthcare system of Moldova, in line with the European Health Policy 2020 and Sustainable Development Objectives, based on the principle "no one should be left unattended ", which fully reflects the principle of universal coverage with medical services.

"I am glad to see that the current health activities in Moldova are aligned with the WHO global programs," said director Emiroglu.

The official also referred to provide WHO technical support to improve access to qualitative medical services. 

The official also reported the burden of communicable diseases, such as TB and HIV, also referred the importance of maintaining high coverage with vaccines and controlling measles, rubella and polio.

Officials also discussed the reform of primary health care, the regionalization of hospital care, the strengthening of the public health service, including technical support from the WHO to ensure the functioning of the National Agency for Public Health.

Moreover, the officials mentioned the priority areas of technical assistance in the following period: in the pharmaceutical field, by adjusting the legal framework to EU directives, strengthening the health sector financing, technical assistance and expertise in strengthening prevention and reduction of disease burden non-communicable and transmissible and technical support in the implementation of the International Health Regulations.

The World Health Organization is one of the main international partners to support the national health system. The technical assistance provided by the World Health Organization to Moldova is granted on the basis of the Biennial Collaboration Agreements, reflecting the priorities for a 2-year term. The Biennial Agreement for the years 2018-2019 was signed on February 20th in Podgorica (Montenegro).