Moldova: humanitarian support during the Ukraine crisis

The Red Cross movement is supporting Moldova's response to the Ukraine crisis.

Last updated: 11 March 2025

The Ukraine crisis is impacting Moldova

Since the escalation of the Ukraine crisis in 2022, millions of civilians have been affected, with over 10.6 million people displaced. Around 6 million refugees have sought safety in Europe, with Moldova, a neighbouring country, hosting hundreds of thousands who remain unable to return to their home. 

Moldova continues to provide essential support to refugees, offering shelter, healthcare, food, mental health services, and information. The situation is complicated by Moldova's economic challenges, further strained by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising costs. 

The humanitarian crisis is leaving both displaced people and host communities in need of urgent assistance.

Donate to Ukraine crisis appeal

Red Cross volunteers distribute humanitarian aid in a refugee centre in Moldova.

The Moldova Red Cross distributing humanitarian aid at a refugee centre in Moldova.

What's happening in Moldova?

Moldova is facing immense pressure due to the large number of refugees, with 80 percent of those arriving are women, children and older people, and nearly 52,000 children. They face many challenges, including finding housing, accessing health care, and meeting basic needs, particularly during the winter months.

Many refugees have exhausted their savings and are increasingly in need of humanitarian support as the conflict has entered its fourth year. They have also experienced significant stress from the trauma of the armed conflict, which has led to potential mental health challenges.

Vulnerable groups, including women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities, are facing significant difficulties, especially with rising costs of food and energy.

Both refugees and host communities are at risk of worsening poverty and poor health, with challenges in accessing to essential healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities.

A Red Cross volunteer with a child at a refugee centre in Moldova.

What is the Red Cross doing to help Moldova? 

  • The Red Cross launched the Ukraine crisis appeal to assist countries impacted by the Ukraine conflict, including Moldova.
  • The Moldovan Red Cross Society began immediate support for displaced people.
  • The Red Cross assists with food and water, health and care, sanitation, and hygiene services.
  • The Red Cross provides integrated assistance, support includes shelter, housing, livelihoods, and multi-purpose cash aid, with the establishment of Humanitarian Service Points
  • The Red Cross focuses on seasonal adaptation for Ukrainian refugees, responding to both summer and winter needs
  • The Red Cross provides funding, technical expertise and strategic guidance to scale up the response.

Find out more about the Ukraine crisis

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