Moldova strengthens healthcare cooperation with WHO and Council of Europe

Moldovan Health Minister Alexandru Gasnaș held high-level meetings with representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe and the Council of Europe to discuss strengthening national healthcare systems.

With the WHO, discussions focused on preventing non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Key priorities include enhancing primary medical assistance, early detection, and addressing risk factors like tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity. The officials also discussed a new WHO strategy aimed at integrating health promotion into public policy.

In meetings with the Council of Europe, the focus shifted toward aligning Moldovan health policies with European standards to support EU accession. Key topics included the development of a national strategy on drugs and addictions (2026–2032), the phased transfer of penitentiary medical services into the national healthcare system, and new regulations regarding patient rights in mental health institutions. Cooperation also extends to combating medical product counterfeiting through the MEDICRIME Convention.