Social welfare initiatives in Romania and Moldova

Social welfare and protection initiatives have been implemented across Romania and Moldova, focusing on vulnerable populations. In Romania, the ‘Baby Box’ project in Mureș county provides essential products and health education to mothers and newborns, with a national goal of supporting 10,000 individuals. Simultaneously, Moldova established a partnership between the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and various NGOs to support approximately 500 at-risk children through community-based services aimed at preventing abandonment and neglect.

Building on these efforts, Moldova has expanded its broader social protection and employment services. Government officials reported that social assistance coverage has grown significantly, with case management for children increasing from 2,700 to 23,000. Reforms have also contributed to a reduction in children living in residential institutions, dropping from 11,000 to 360. Furthermore, the state is prioritizing the transition to legal employment and has expanded support services for the elderly, people with disabilities, and victims of violence.