The project “Increasing Capacity of Research in Occupational and Environmental Health in the Republic of Moldova” has successfully concluded under the Know-How Exchange Programme (KEP), financed by Italy through the CEI Fund at the EBRD.
Launched in response to Moldova’s EU candidate status, the initiative built on a previous CEI Fund supported project that had improved occupational health and safety in the country. This new phase has strengthened cooperation between Italy and Moldova, with the University of Pavia acting as know-how provider and Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy as beneficiary. The goal was to transfer Italian expertise to align Moldovan research and practice with European standards and to enhance evidence-based approaches in occupational and environmental health.
The disciplines of Hygiene and Occupational Medicine at Nicolae Testemitanu University has played a key role in assessing the awareness of health decision-makers and identifying gaps in integrated research techniques. This effort aimed to strengthen Moldova’s capacity by applying Italian best practices and supporting the implementation of ILO Convention No. 161 on Occupational Health Services, ratified by Moldova in 2021.
Over 18 months, the partnership delivered workplace risk assessments, a study on work-related stress, and a pilot study on air pollution and its health impacts. It also introduced updated procedures for occupational and environmental risk assessment, trained professionals, and developed a new Master’s curriculum in Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology. Workshops, scientific missions, and summer schools provided hands-on experience for Moldovan researchers, ensuring that knowledge transfer would have a lasting impact.
The implementation phase was marked by strong participation and practical results. Joint workshops and training sessions were complemented by the purchase of equipment and digital tools, enabling remote collaboration and data analysis. Moldovan researchers attended summer schools in Italy, while Italian experts travelled to Chișinău for on-site activities.
The project’s results go beyond technical outputs: they reinforce Moldova’s path toward EU integration, support the implementation of international conventions, and lay the foundation for continued academic collaboration between Italy and Moldova.
For more info: dovier@cei.int