Physicians from south Moldova Gagauz-Yeri autonomy receive protection equipment on behalf of EU, World Health Organization

Chisinau, 24 July /MOLDPRES/ - Over 62,000 protection equipment units – 50,780 medical masks, 10,080 N95 respirators, 250 protection spectacles and 1,128 impermeable coats  - have been donated to district hospitals and primary medical assistance institutions from the Gagauz-Yeri Autonomous Territorial Unit by the European Union and World Health Organization (WHO).      

“The strengthening of the health system and the protection of the medical staff is our priority; we will be able to provide quality medical services to the residents and overcome the COVID-19 pandemic only in this way. The gesture of support for Moldova’s health system, in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, by the European Union and World Health Organization, is valuable and extremely important for the protection of the first line heroes,’’ a state secretary at the Health, Labour and Social Protection Ministry, Alexandru Holostenco, said at the ceremony on the equipment’s delivery.

“The European Union is a sustainable partner of Moldova and the support provided in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic will contribute to the ensuring of the health of the population and protection of medical employees. I express thanks to the first-line heroes for work and dedication,’’ Head of the EU Delegation in Moldova Peter Michalko said.

For her part, the manager of the public health emergencies programmes at the WHO Office in Moldova, Stela Gheorghita, said that ‘’no pandemic was defeated without the involvement of the community and people. Presently, there is the moment when we must join our forces and prove responsibility and solidarity. Only through joint efforts, we can protect the medical employees and patients could receive the necessary medical assistance.’’    

„Unfortunately, the medical system has been facing a difficult period, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the fight with the new Coronavirus, the support of our partners is essential. We thank for openness and support,’’ the bashkan (governor) of Gagauzia, Irina Vlah, said.  

The donation is part of the first installment of the package of assistance provided by the European Union, in partnership with the World Health Organization, as response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The delivery of equipment is part of the EU Solidarity for Health Initiative.