MOLDOVA

The Coalition for Respiratory Health from the Republic of Moldova was founded in November 2024 and joined the IRC the same year. It brings together medical professionals to promote respiratory health through education, prevention and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Moldova faces a major burden of respiratory disease without an integrated national strategy. COPD affects approximately 10% of adults, asthma affects 6–8% of the population, and respiratory diseases account for around 7.5% of national deaths, with over 20,000 hospitalisations annually.

The coalition promotes public policies, education and international collaborations to reduce this impact, addressing four key pillars:

• Enhancing prevention of respiratory diseases
• Reducing inequalities in respiratory care
• Ensuring access to proper treatment
• Promoting research and data-driven improvements in respiratory care

Key gaps include the absence of a national respiratory policy, underfunding, limited equipment and access to drugs, and a lack of updated epidemiological data. Successes to date include active coalition establishment, partnerships with the ERS, IRC and ENSP, and growing involvement of young professionals.

Current initiatives:

• Awareness campaigns for World Asthma Day and World COPD Day
• Workshops for healthcare professionals
• Launch of Moldova’s first Sleep Medicine Center
• Development of international partnerships

Key milestones for 2026/2027:

• Develop a National Respiratory Health Strategy
• Expand national COPD and asthma screening
• Strengthen Moldova’s respiratory health networks
• Improve patient education and treatment adherence to reduce hospitalisations

Follow the coalition on Facebook, X or LinkedIn and visit the website to learn more.

The coalition focuses on several key areas to improve respiratory health nationwide. Its work includes:

• Advocacy and health policy – promotes prioritisation of respiratory health in national policies and improves access to diagnosis and treatment
• Professional education and capacity building – organises conferences, trainings and workshops for healthcare professionals
• Public awareness and prevention – conducts campaigns on smoking reduction, lung health, and early recognition of respiratory diseases
• Screening and early diagnosis – supports initiatives such as spirometry and early detection of COPD and sleep apnoea
• Research and international collaboration – participates in global initiatives and supports knowledge exchange
• Development of specialised services – contributes to improving respiratory care services, including sleep medicine and modern diagnostics

Society of Internal Medicine, Moldova

Society of Endocrinology, Moldova

Society of Intensive Care and Anaesthesiology, Moldova

Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Publications

• Handbook: Corlateanu, A. Eds. Handbook of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology; Print-Caro: Chișinău, Moldova, 2025; 374 pp. ISBN 978-5-85748-296-4.

Events

2025

1. 1. 1. Scientific-Educational Event “From Theory to Practice. Real Tasks – Clear Answers”, Chișinău, Moldova, April 8, 2025.
      2. Scientific-Educational Event “International Asthma Day 2025”, Chișinău, Moldova, May 22, 2025.
      3. Scientific-Educational Event “Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases in the Republic of Moldova 2025”, Chișinău, Moldova, May 29, 2025.
      4. Pre-Congress Course “Multidisciplinary Approach to Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome”, Chișinău, Moldova, October 18.
      5. Scientific-Educational Event “World Pneumonia Awareness Day”, Chișinău, Moldova, November 7, 2025.

2026

1. 1. 1st  National Congress of Pneumology 2025 – scientific event for improving diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases
   2. World Sleep Day 2026 – awareness on sleep disorders and their link to respiratory health
   3. World Tuberculosis Day (24 March) 2026 – campaigns on TB prevention, early detection, and stigma reduction
   4. World Asthma Day 2026