Republic of Moldova

Key Results in 2022-2023

More than 150 000 people improved their knowledge of HIV prevention and testing.
Over 8500 refugees from Ukraine, including people living with HIV accessed comprehensive healthcare services and support since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
Moldova achieved 100% surveillance rate of all vertical transmission of HIV cases following capacity building and implementation of a real-time monitoring system.
A new national clinical protocol has been approved to manage disorders related to consumption of new psychoactive substances and stimulants among adolescents and adults.

Joint Programme Results

Moldova remains steadfast in its commitment to scaling up HIV services and information for all, including refugees from Ukraine through strategic support from the Joint Programme. For instance, about 1800 refugees from Ukraine, including people living with HIV accessed comprehensive healthcare services and support in the second half of 2023—more than 8500 refugees received HIV prevention services since the beginning of the war, thanks to the support from the Joint Programme (UNHCR, UNAIDS Secretariat). Additionally, 150 000 people were sensitized on HIV prevention and testing and 3000 people had voluntary HIV counselling and testing through the HIV Off and Let Communities Lead campaigns organized in partnerships with civil society organizations (UNAIDS Secretariat).

The national prevention of virtual transmission of HIV programme has improved following expansion of services, capacity building and implementation of a real-time monitoring system achieving 100% surveillance rate of all vertical transmission cases (UNICEF, UNAIDS Secretariat).

HIV and other essential healthcare services were similarly scaled up among people who use or inject drugs, including through the development and approval of a new national clinical protocol for disorders related to the consumption of new psychoactive substances and stimulants among adolescents and adults. The Government also approved a roadmap for improving access to health services, including opioid agonist therapy for people who use or inject drugs (UNODC, UNAIDS Secretariat).

The Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance (IBBS) survey among people who use non-injectable drugs uncovered a significant HIV burden among this group, predominantly among young people and women. This was especially due to low use of condoms. The study also enabled the first size estimation of people who use non-injectable drugs in Moldova paving the way for an effective programme planning, resources mobilization and implementation (UNAIDS Secretariat). Evidence gathered from the IBBS survey, Global AIDS Monitoring, inequalities tool and mid-term review of the national HIV response informed the Global Fund grant proposal securing EUR 18 million for the response for 2024-2026 (UNICEF, WHO, UNAIDS Secretariat).

Peer education initiatives and comprehensive sexuality education enabled 6000 people, including out-of-school adolescents and young refugees from Ukraine to enhance their knowledge of HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender-based violence (UNFPA). Additionally, 4000 young refugees accessed vital information on HIV, SRHR, menstrual hygiene and social cohesion activities to improve their overall wellbeing and integration into communities through safe spaces supported by the Joint Programme (UNFPA).

To improve gender equality and human rights, around 150 people, including healthcare professionals their knowledge on human rights and delivery of equitable services for people living with HIV in Moldova and the Transnistrian region (UNAIDS Secretariat). Besides, 200 sex workers and 50 women were empowered to recognize gender-based violence and human rights violations and protect their rights through Joint Programme supported training sessions (UN Women, UNAIDS Secretariat). In the cities of Chisinau, Balti and Ribnita, three crisis rooms were established to improve access to temporary shelter and support services among women from key populations and their children (UNODC).