Switzerland and UNDP support urgent measures to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 in 35 local communities. These communities have diaspora hometown associations created under the “Migration and Local Development” project of the Swiss Cooperation Office in partnership with UNDP.

26,800 respiratory masks, 37,500 pairs of gloves, 1,785 liters of sanitizer, as well as 81 non-contact infrared thermometers, purchased from Swiss funds, are being provided to communities to protect medical staff, local public authorities, as well as local volunteers and vulnerable groups. Basic personal protective equipment is being distributed to local employment offices, community centers, care houses, orphanages, social services centers, post offices, to ensure safer interaction with people.

“From the very beginning of the crisis, Switzerland looked into ways to protect people who are on duty during these difficult times and providing crucial services to their communities. This is yet another example of Swiss support offered to Moldova in fighting the spread of the new coronavirus”, said Caroline Tissot, Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in the Republic of Moldova.

The equipment, in total amount of US $37,000, was purchased by UNDP from the funds provided by Switzerland based on the assessment made by the Hometown Associations in close coordination with central authorities and the World Health Organization.

“These efforts will contribute to the prompt provision of much-needed essential services to the local communities targeting more than 244,000 women and men and ensuring that no one is left behind during these critical times”, said UNDP Resident Representative for the Republic of Moldova, Dima Al-Khatib.

“I would like to express our deep gratitude to Switzerland and UNDP for the support offered during this pandemic. The basic equipment we received will help us protect frontline workers and people,” said Valerian Cecan, mayor of the Mihaileni village.

UNDP team together with Congress of Local Authorities will guide local public authorities and Hometown Associations trough webinars and coaching. Young people will also be involved in information campaigns.

The UN Development System in Moldova and development partners have been actively supporting the national response to the pandemic through coordinated activities aiming to protect people, increase capacities of the healthcare system and reduce the economic and social shocks.   

Contact for mass-media: Laura Bohantova, Communications Analyst, UNDP Moldova, tel +373 685 11 883, E-mail: laura.bohantova@undp.org