About 1,000 liters of disinfectant will be distributed to temporary placement centers for adults and children with disabilities managed by the National Social Assistance Agency. The donation was made by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection of Austria through the Embassy of Austria in Chisinau and the WHO Regional Office for Europe, IPN reports.

In the donation event, Minister of Heath Viorica Dumbrăveanu appreciated the gesture of solidarity with the citizens of the Republic of Moldova in a difficult period, when all the countries are fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ambassador of Austria Stella Avallone approved of the fruitful cooperation with the WHO Office in Moldova and the constant support offered by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection of Austria to colleagues in Moldova, referring to social projects, such as the Mobile Team for providing medical and social services in Strășeni, the Protected Home “Oaza” for persons with mental disabilities in Edineț, the socioeconomic catering enterprise “Floare de Cireș”.

WHO Representative in Moldova Igor Pokanevych said the partnership between the WHO and the Embassy of Austrian started several years ago as part of a tuberculosis control project with important emphasis on the prevention and control of infections in long-term care institutions. “Today’s donation is a gesture of international solidarity and we hope that the beneficiaries and employees of institutions will feel better protected during the pandemic,” stated Igor Pokanevych.

The second tranche of the humanitarian aid provided by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection of Austria and the WHO Regional Office for Europe will be used to buy protective masks, gloves and gowns for the temporary placement centers of Bădiceni, Brînzeni, Bălți, Orhei, Cocieri, Hâncești and Chisinau.