Moldova
Our work in Moldova began in 2000 through our partner Second Breath and the HelpAge office in Chisinau was set up in 2005.
The main areas we work in are health with a focus on non communicable diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, and intergenerational care.
We have a network of ten organisations involved in our work and over 300 volunteers.
Life story: Valentina, 60
With help from our partner, Valentina now receives a pension.
Photo: Maxim Ahner/HelpAge International
Valentina told us: "The loss of my son, who died in a road accident when he was only 21, was the hardest point in my life.
"After that I started to have health problems. My blood pressure rose and I had a stroke that paralysed my right hand and leg."
Valentina did not have documents to prove that she had been employed, so she could neither receive a pension nor get a health insurance policy. She would have had to pay high fees for a medical examination and treatment.
"Re-applying for these documents was very difficult, because I was born in Gagauz (now an autonomous part of Moldova). So to get these papers back I have to go to many state bodies," she said.
Valentina could not afford to travel the 250km to Gagauz to apply in person so HelpAge's partner organisation went and applied on Valentina's behalf.
She said: "I thank HelpAge and their partner the Organisation of Veterans from the bottom of my heart for going to all these authorities on my behalf.
"Without their help and these documents, I wouldn't be able to receive my pension now. When I found out that my documents had been reinstated, I was the happiest person in the world."
The difference we made in 2010-11
- We have supported 613 multigenerational households by building intergenerational relationships and training other organisations to support older carers. Our work in this area has grown, as research indicates 91% of older people take care of children left behind by migration when both parents are away.
- We have made several recommendations to the government of Moldova with the commissioner for the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Right. These are to extend social security benefits to people working in the informal sector, increase pensions, target social assistance at older people and make sure emergency ambulances reach older people.
- Through our work on health, we have supported 150 multigenerational households. Focusing on non communicable diseases, we offered regular home visits, NCD prevention and management and awareness raising seminars.
What next?
Over the next 12 months, we will:
- Support older men and women to challenge age discrimination and claim their rights.
- Help older men and women access quality healthcare, focusing on non communicable diseases prevention and management.
- Assist older people in their role as carers by building their grandparenting skills.
- Build partnerships throughout Moldova to work effectively with and for older men and women.
Our affiliates
Our partners
Vdohnovenye, Demnitate, Association of Veterans from Ialoveni, Women's Club Speranta, Pro-Democratie, Artizana, Avante, Women's Club Comunitate, Speranta batrinilor din nordul Moldovei
Our donors
European Commission, Embassy of Netherlands in Kiev, UNICEF, UNFPA, World Jewish Relief, Finnish Embassy, Soros (Step by Step)