Moldova strengthens medical system preparedness and response to radiological and nuclear emergencies via EU-supported training

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) materials play critical roles across various sectors, offering significant benefits to society, the environment, and the economy. Radiological materials are extensively utilized in medical diagnostics and treatment. However, these materials can pose significant hazards if mishandled, lost, abandoned or exploited for malicious purposes, lading to the occurrence of radiation emergencies that can have adverse consequences on the environment, public health, and human life.

To ensure robust preparedness and mitigation of these risks, it is crucial to enhance countries capabilities in managing radioactive materials by adopting a comprehensive approach to prevent, respond and recover from potential radiological incidents.

40 specialists, five medical institutions, and a simulation exercise

In a proactive endeavour to enhance national preparedness and response capabilities to Radiological and Nuclear (RN) incidents, the European Union supported a training workshop in Moldova on medical system preparedness and response to radiological and nuclear emergencies with a large number of victims.

Organised by the Oncology Institute of Moldova with the support of the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence, more than 40 specialists from five medical institutions have strengthened their skills and accumulated knowledge in the field of preparedness and response to exceptional situations and nuclear and radiological threats. The medical institutions included the National Center for Prehospital Emergency Medical Assistance, the Institute of Emergency Medicine, the Institute of Mother and Child.

Held in Chinisau, the two-day workshop (26 – 27 June) included a series of interactive, theoretical and practical sessions and ended with an extensive simulation exercise of a radiological incident with a large number of victims, being tested by the medical-sanitary formations of intervention in public health emergencies. 

During the training, the specialists used the equipment and resources donated by the development partners, such as the decontamination and triage equipment received from the EU CBRN CoE, the radiological detection equipment provided by the World Health Organization, and the personal protective equipment provided by the Swiss Cooperation Office. The activity took place with the support of the Swiss Cooperation Office in the Republic of Moldova.

Strengthening CBRN medical preparedness and response in South East and Eastern Europe

The European Union supported the training workshop on medical system preparedness and response to radiological and nuclear emergencies with a large number of victims as part of the EU CBRN CoE Project 88 “Strengthening of CBRN Medical Preparedness and Response Capabilities in South East and Eastern European countries”.

Implemented within the framework of the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence, Project 88 aims to strengthen and enhance medical emergency preparedness and response capabilities in the South East and Eastern Europe region to ensure minimization of health consequences and human losses following a CBRN accident and/or emergency. The participating countries include Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine.

Funded by the European Union, the 4-year project (May 2021 - May 2025) is implemented by the Science & Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU) . STCU supports the promotion of a culture of safety and security, and responsible science by advancing civilian science and technology partnerships addressing CBRN risks.

Read Project 88 factsheet or visit the project website to learn more about the activities implemented and the main achievements.