Since February 24, 2022, millions of people forced to flee the war in Ukraine have crossed the border into the Republic of Moldova.
INTERSOS was among the first international organisations on the ground, deploying its mission just days after the conflict began. Thanks to the timely support of the European Union and other donors, the team started immediately to provide health and protection services to all those in need, mostly refugees from Ukraine, but also the local vulnerable population. Amongst the most needed services were primary and secondary healthcare consultations, psychological counselling activities and distribution of small, but essential, household goods. Today, after nearly four years of continuous presence, our focus has shifted from immediate emergency relief to long-term integration, helping refugees reclaim their dignity and access vital state health services.
For 54-year-old Maria*, the war didn’t just destroy buildings; it shattered a life she had spent decades building in Ukraine.
“We lived under constant shelling. We spent hours in damp, dark basements. It didn’t just destroy our health; it stripped us of hope”
While her husband went to the front and her daughter chose to stay, Maria fled to her birth village in Moldova, bringing her elderly father and mother-in-law to safety.
However, safety brought new challenges. After years away, Maria struggled with the language, had no local network, and was overwhelmed by the bureaucratic process of accessing healthcare for her chronic condition.
“Without medication, I couldn’t breathe normally. I felt completely defenseless.”
The turning point came through an INTERSOS leaflet. Our medical caseworker, Olga, stepped in immediately. The support provided was truly comprehensive, addressing both her legal and physical well-being. Our caseworker, Olga, first assisted Maria with her Temporary Protection registration, a crucial step that opened the door to state social assistance and healthcare services. This was immediately followed by personal medical support, as the team connected her with a family doctor and provided essential medicine vouchers for Maria and her elderly relatives. This bond of trust proved vital when Maria’s sister, Natalia, and nephew, Iurii, later fled to Moldova; having already navigated the system with INTERSOS, Maria knew exactly who to call to ensure her family received the same life-changing guidance.
The impact of this intervention went beyond medical aid. When Olga learned of a vacancy at a nearby health center, she encouraged Natalia—who had a background in medical studies—to apply. Today, Natalia is working in the center’s laboratory, transforming from a recipient of aid into a professional contributing to the Moldovan healthcare system.
“For me, this is not just assistance. It is a chance to live freely again, without fear of tomorrow,” says Maria. “INTERSOS gave me the confidence that we are not alone in a foreign country.”
Maria’s story is a testament to how timely, holistic humanitarian support can bridge the gap between displacement and integration. We believe every refugee has the right to live with dignity—a goal we pursue every day.
*Names changed for confidentiality.
This activity was carried out within the framework of the PLACE II project, funded by the European Union and implemented by INTERSOS Moldova, in consortium with People in Need, Acted, IMPACT Initiatives, and the Norwegian Refugee Council.