Republic of Moldova

Various activities to celebrate World Health Day and raise awareness about healthy ageing took place on 10 April 2012 in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.

The day was opened with a press conference organized by the Ministry of Health and the WHO Country Office. Minister Andrei Usatii highlighted the increasing importance of healthy ageing for the sustainability of health care, as by 2050 more than one third of the population will be over 60 years old. He described current structural responses, such as the development of geriatric services in hospitals, but also the importance of investing in one’s own health by being physically active, paying attention to proper nutrition and avoiding smoking.   

In the afternoon, the first annual Health Gala was organized jointly by the WHO Country Office, Ministry of Health, National Medical Insurance Company and Pro-Health (Prosanatate) Club. Approximately 300 participants from across the country gathered to officially recognize health professionals who had achieved remarkable results in relation to the topic selected by WHO for the current year at global level. This year’s awards were distributed for the categories health promotion, palliative and community care, teaching, health journalism, long-term medical career in developing the health system, as well as best territorial representative of the National Health Insurance Company and best NGO in the health field. The Health Gala provided an opportunity for health care and public health professionals to gather and reflect on achievements.

The celebration of World Health Day will be followed up by various other events during the year. On 18 April 2012 the NGO Help Age International will organize a roundtable dedicated to ageing in the Republic of Moldova. The roundtable will officially close the information campaign “Age Demands Action” and will serve as a platform for the Government, and international and civil representatives to discuss the most acute problems faced by older  people. The discussion will be informed by the draft action plan on healthy ageing in Europe 2012−2016 by WHO/Europe.