The infant mortality rate is still more than double compared to the European Union average and the rates of maternal mortality remain quite high, in Moldova especially in the rural areas. About 2/3 of the causes of neonatal death or permanent disabilities in children are attributed to human factors, such as competence gaps in health care, e.g. poor quality of resuscitation and newborn care, especially at the Primary Health Care (PHC) level. Improving the quality of healthcare services and enhancing the patients’ safety are amongst the main priorities of ongoing healthcare sector reforms implemented by the Ministry of health (MoH). This includes the implementation of modern medical education, since the present training methods, very often too theoretical, no longer meet the need to develop the practical skills of health professionals.

By introducing modern training technologies in obstetric, gynecological, neonatal and pediatric emergencies, the project will contribute to improving medical education and, in the long term, to enhancing the quality and safety of maternal and child health services in Moldova, including at PHC level in rural areas.

Medical students, residents and family doctors in Moldova have better practical skills in obstetrics, gynecology, neonatology and pediatric emergency thanks to simulation training. This will contribute to improve quality of services and in the mid and long term the mother and child morbidity and mortality rates in Moldova.

Results from previous phases:  

The large project on institutionalization of innovative medical education based on simulation training was launched in 2010 with core funding from European Union. The project supported by EU includes refurbishment of the Simulation Center building (completed by end of 2012) as well as future (in 2013/2014) equipment of 4 main training departments: Emergency Medicine, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Family Medicine, Mini-invasive Surgery. SDC will focus on 1 remaining Department, namely the Department for Mother and Child. Results and Impact on the health of Moldovan population of the whole project are expected within a time frame of 5 years (i.e. 2018).

Phase 1 01.05.2013 - 30.09.2015   (Completed)