Poland helps Moldova fight COVID-19
18.05.2020
The whole world keeps fighting COVID-19. Poland not only looks after its own citizens but also supports its neighbours and Eastern Partnership countries. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs analyses the situation so that the support it provides is well-targeted and effective.
On 7 May 2020, Minister Jacek Czaputowicz held a telephone call with Oleg Țulea, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova. One of the topics was the measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Back in March 2020, the Representation of Solidarity Fund PL adapted its action plan to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, among others in Moldova. It mobilised an Emergency Fund for intervention measures, including the purchase of protective and medical equipment, and adjusted its mechanisms for cooperation with local partners. The Fund amount is EUR 50,000. The money will support local entrepreneurs in transforming their activities, thus saving jobs.
A good example of the importance of the aid is a local perfumery, which changed its offering after the pandemic outbreak. It started to produce a disinfectant, which is now in very high demand, and has thus maintained production and employment.
So far, the Fund has purchased:
• 16,380 protective masks
• 800 protective suits
• 3,800 litres of disinfectant
and 50 sprayers and 27 items of small medical equipment (medical containers, contactless thermometers, and antibacterial lamps)
The handover event was attended by Bartłomiej Zdaniuk, Polish Ambassador in Chisinau, and Tomasz Horbowski, director of the Representation of Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova, while the Moldovan side was represented by Ministers Marina Golovaci and Alexandra Holostenco from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Protection. The equipment was handed over in late April and was sent directly to local health facilities, including in Edineti, Comrat, Taraclia, as well as in Transnistria.
The first oxygen concentrator was delivered to the Toma Ciorbă Infectious Diseases Hospital in Chisinau in March this year. Solidarity Fund PL also financed the purchase of 37 oxygen concentrators, including 10 items with a capacity of 10 litres and 27 items with a capacity of 5 litres. Purchased in Turkey, the equipment will be donated to Moldovan hospitals (among others, in Cahul, Comrat, Bălți and two items will go to Transnistria) in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Protection.
Most of the measures were implemented in such a short timeframe only thanks to the involvement of the Local Action Groups, which Polish Aid has supported continuously for several years. With the change of their business profile, local entrepreneurs (the local perfumery and tailoring shops) saved jobs and maintained production.
The support is a continuation of long-time development assistance and enhances the effects of previous projects among Polish Aid beneficiaries, as well as strengthening the private sector.
The Representation of Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova began operations in 2013 pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Moldova’s then Ministry of Regional Development and Construction.
The Representation works to support local development in Moldova, mainly by piloting European development instruments so that they empower the residents and translate into meaningful development change (business support, improved living conditions, etc.).
For more about the work of the Representation of Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova, visit https://solidarityfund.md
