Strengthening national capacities to address radio-nuclear threats in Moldova
Moldovan health service providers will be equipped and trained to manage and monitor possible radioactive contamination in Moldova caused by nuclear emergencies in Ukraine. By increasing the national capacity to protect the health professionals from exposure of radio-nuclear emissions, Switzerland contributes to the strengthened preparedness to enhance resilient and responsive health system in Moldova that is able to deal with increased threats caused by the conflict in Ukraine.
Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
---|---|---|---|
Moldova |
Health
Health systems strengthening
|
15.10.2022
- 30.06.2024 |
CHF 494’000
|
- SDC Field Office
- Schweizerisches Arbeiterhilfswerk
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation HEALTH
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Health policy and administrative management
Cross-cutting topics Crisis prevention
The project also supports partner organisation improvements
Aid Type Project and programme contribution
Project number 7F11015
Background |
The aggression by the Russian Federation in Ukraine, and continued military activities near nuclear power plants, has increased the threat of radio-nuclear incidents with a high risk of contaminating Moldovan territory. This could have a major negative impact on health and the environment in the country and will put on additional pressure on the health sector, which is already dealing with an increased demands due to the unprecedented movement of refugees from Ukraine. This underlines the need to strengthen the preparedness and the capacity of the health sector to adequately respond to and address all potential emergencies and threats. The Ministry of Health (MoH), through the National Agency for Public Health (NAPH), has requested support from Switzerland to strengthen the capacity of the public health service sector to prevent and manage the risks associated with radio-nuclear hazards. The main needs are to equip NAPH departments and medical units with the necessary devices for early detection, assessment and monitoring of all radioactive emissions, as well as with protective equipment for medical staff working in contaminated areas. Furthermore, the capacity of public health professionals involved in emergency response needs strengthening. |
Objectives | Improving the readiness and the capacity of the Moldovan authorities to protect its citizens in emergency situations in the event of a radio-nuclear incidents, related to the war in Ukraine. |
Target groups |
The final beneficiaries of this intervention are the entire population of the Republic of Moldova and refugees from Ukraine. Direct beneficiraies are MoH and NAPH departments, whose capacities will be strengthened. The primary target groups are public health specialists and medical workers deployed in potentially contaminated areas, benefiting from modern devices for early detection, assessment and monitoring of radioactive risks and personal protective equipment. Overally, some 1’600 health professionals will benefit through enhanced individual protection measures. |
Medium-term outcomes |
Outcome 1 (equipment): With modern and properly used equipment, the national public health service is able to detect and respond appropriately to emergencies of radiological contamination at an early stage. Outcome 2 (workforce): The capacities of public health specialists and healthcare workers involved in reducing the hazards and consequences of radionuclear contamination are enhanced. |
Results |
Expected results: - Procurement and endowment of the National Agency for Public Health with equipment for early detection, assessment and monitoring of radionuclear contamination hazards. - Handover and commissioning of the donated equipment. - Training of Trainers (ToT) in radiometry/dosimetry and in use of protective equipment for radio-nuclear l emergencies by an international trainer/ expert. - Training of public health professionals involved in early detection and risk reduction of radio-nuclear contamination. Results from previous phases: At the request of the MoH, the NAPH specialists, in collaboration with World Health Organisation (WHO) experts, identified the main needs of the public health sector to prevent and reduce the risks associated with the radio-nuclear and chemical hazards. A list of equipment for radioactive detection and protective materials for medical personnel working in contaminated areas, including training needs, was submitted by the Moldovan health authorities, and subsequently evaluated by Swiss Humanitarian Aid specialists, in collaboration with experts from a Swis Spiez Laboratory. Based on their recommendations, the list was updates and subsequently submitted in its final form for Swiss Support. |
Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
Project partners |
Contract partner Other partners Swiss Humanitarian Aid direct intervention. Support is based on the needs and list of required devices, developed by NAPH specialists in coordination with MoH and WHO experts. |
Coordination with other projects and actors |
"Moldova, Capacity building of health professionals in emergency care", SDC Project Nr. 7F-10988.01 "Moldova, strengthening hospital capacities to address emergency health care issues in case of mass casualties due to an increased influx of refugees.", SDC Project Nr. 7F-10988.02 Humanitarian Health Working Group, WHO |
Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 494’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 484’937 |
Project phases |
Phase 1 15.10.2022 - 30.06.2024 (Completed) |