Success Story: Medical Care for Ukrainian Refugees in Moldova

Two years have passed since the war began in Ukraine, and approximately 110,000 Ukrainian refugees are still living in neighboring Moldova. In times of disaster like these, certain groups, such as the elderly and disabled, are typically more vulnerable and in need of assistance from aid organizations. Peace Winds is partnering with Keystone, a Moldovan NGO comprised of doctors and medical professionals. The organization has long been working to provide medical care to refugees with disabilities.  

Vasily, a Ukrainian refugee who received medical care from Peace Winds’ support program

Vasily is one of these refugees. He is living in a temporary shelter in the Hîncești area, which borders Romania and is approximately 65 km southwest of the capital Chișinău. Vasily evacuated from his home in Izmail, a port city in Odessa region in southern Ukraine. While the port is a key hub for grain exports, it has been the site of many drone attacks, and there were a number of casualties there in September last year.

Vasily is physically disabled and uses a cane due to a bad leg. He has also had glaucoma and cataracts for a long time, but after evacuating his home, his symptoms worsened, and he almost lost his vision. He lived at the evacuation shelter with the help of other refugees.

Vasily (left) with Peace Winds staff member and evacuee (right)

Vasily needed cataract surgery to partially restore his vision, but he was unable to afford the costly operation. After meeting with a number of doctors and organizations, Vasily underwent surgery in Chișinău in November last year. Peace Winds covered the cost of the surgery and the tests that he needed to get it.  

The surgery was a success, and Vasily can now perform his daily activities more easily and independently. Peace Winds staff in Moldova spoke to him when they made their medical exam rounds at the evacuation center with Keystone staff. “When I couldn’t see anything, it was like being in a fog,” he explained. “Now I can go to the bathroom by myself and clean my room. I’d like to go outside, but…” he pointed out the window at the snow that was left on the ground after a record-breaking snowfall. Tatiana, one of the Keystone doctors, explained that it was still too icy to go outside but that Vasily could go for a walk once the weather warms up.

Snow on the ground in Moldova

As Europe’s poorest country, there are many challenges that continue to make life difficult for residents and refugees. Peace Winds will continue to carry out support programs with our local partners for refugees like Vasily. The current program is being implemented with support from Japan Platform and with contributions from individual donors. We are grateful for your continued support.

Peace Winds employee speaks to evacuation center residents