Moldova: EU and WHO donate life-saving surgery equipment for Institute of Oncology
Thousands of cancer patients in Moldova will benefit from life-saving medical equipment donated to the Institute of Oncology in Chisinau, funded by the European Union and procured by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
According to the EU Delegation to Moldova, each year, more than 5,000 people with lung, bone, digestive, skin, throat, and other cancers are expected to receive safer, faster, and more effective treatment thanks to this support.
The new equipment makes surgeries more precise, supports faster recovery, and offers less invasive options for treating tumors. It includes tools for safer bone surgery, modern technologies to treat lung and skin cancers, and devices that enhance gastrointestinal and thoracic procedures.
This contribution complements a previous EU and WHO donation of 1,000 vials of Trastuzumab and a high-performance ultrasound machine.
“I’m glad that here in Moldova we have access to such advanced equipment. You don’t have to go abroad, where it costs a lot of money. I had a lung investigation to check my health condition,” said Pavel Dron, a patient receiving care at the Oncology Institute.
“The new devices are more than just equipment; they’re instruments of hope. For patients with bone tumors, we can now perform surgeries with greater precision and less trauma. That means faster recovery, fewer complications, and a real chance at a better life. This donation helps us offer advanced and qualitative care,” said Dr. Andrei Olaru, orthopedic oncologist from the Institute of Oncology.
With European Union funding through the ‘EU support for COVID-19 vaccine deployment in the Eastern Partnership’ initiative, the WHO has supported the Republic of Moldova in advancing cancer care. A new National Cancer Control Programme for 2026-2030 is being developed to guide prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care, while a National Cancer Registry is underway to ensure that every decision is based on reliable data and patients’ real needs.
In addition, over 600 health professionals have been trained to communicate better with patients, and new materials have been developed to support nutrition and emotional wellbeing.
The EU Delegation to Moldova says that modern diagnostic standards are now used in laboratories, and breast cancer care has been reorganised so women can receive earlier and more accurate diagnoses closer to home. Thanks to this shift to an early-detection model under the Global Breast Cancer Initiative, the share of late-stage breast cancer cases fell dramatically – from around 60% to just 37% in the first four months.
Furthermore, women in Moldova are gaining access to better cervical cancer screening. New pilot programmes are introducing HPV testing and modern Pap smear methods, making early detection more reliable and accessible.
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