WFP expands assistance in Moldova while working with Government and UN partners to boost social protection
CHIȘINĂU - The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is collaborating with Moldova’s Minister of Labour and Social Protection (MLSP) to expand its cash assistance, boost the country’s social protection systems, and expedite ongoing sectoral reforms.
WFP is temporarily expanding its cash assistance to the most vulnerable people this winter to help them cover their basic needs, such as food and energy costs. In addition, WFP is partnering with key UN agencies to enhance the effectiveness of the social protection system and accelerate progress towards the reform agenda through boosting the capacity of central and regional institutions.
This comes in response to the persistent challenges faced by Moldova, exacerbated by the refugee crisis and increased inflation resulting from the neighbouring conflict in Ukraine.
“Our aim is to help government institutions expand access to quality social services and well-targeted social cash assistance across Moldova,” said WFP Representative and Country Director in Moldova Katrien Ghoos.
The initiative will provide immediate cash assistance for more than 67,000 people. This includes 56,236 pensioners, over 3,000 families caring for children with severe disabilities, more than 7,000 families with persons with disabilities, and over 1,000 pregnant or breastfeeding women with children under 13 months.
The goal is to provide immediate cash relief and establish long-lasting and robust social protection systems. This involves the digitalisation of databases, intensive training for social workers, and technical assistance for capacity strengthening.
During a press conference marking the program’s launch, Minister of Labour and Social Protection in Moldova Alexei Buzu said: “I would like to thank our partners, who support us unconditionally and are always there to offer us financial support where it is most needed, namely, to support the vulnerable citizens of Moldova. They show altruism and perseverance in the most difficult times for citizens.”
The programme is possible thanks to the generous contributions of WFP donors like Norway, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations Population Fund in Moldova also supports financial contributions.
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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.
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