The visit focused on projects ensuring access to social protection, healthcare and energy‑related assistance to Ukrainian refugees and vulnerable host communities throughout Moldova, including on the left bank of the Nistru River.  

In Chișinău, the delegation visited a Swiss-supported cash assistance programme, implemented by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In 2025, the programme provided cash support to over 18,000 refugees, including 1,600 residing on the left bank of the Nistru River.  

The Swiss officials also visited the Refugee Accommodation Centre at the “Constructorul” Sanatorium to discuss with refugees about their access to healthcare, facilitated by the “Health for Refugees” project. The project, co-funded by Switzerland and jointly implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), ensured access to primary and specialised medical services to over 16,000 refugees, including 6,000 children. The project also helps the Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance Company to develop and implement new budgeting methodologies and policy options for sustainable provision of healthcare services for refugees.  

In Bender (Tighina), the Swiss representatives were briefed on the Swiss-funded project, implemented by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), which provides energy‑related support to more than 2,200 households through utility subsidies, winter assistance and energy‑efficiency measures.

The intervention also included energy efficiency rehabilitation of two schools in on the Left Bank of Nistru River.  

In Tighina, the delegation also met with some beneficiaries of the “School for Active Ageing” programme, supported within a Swiss-funded project implemented by UN Women and local partners. Here, vulnerable Moldovan citizens and Ukrainian refugees take part in various social, educational and psychosocial activities aimed at reducing their social isolation and supporting their emotional wellbeing. This initiative also empowers women’s groups as key local actors in humanitarian action, dialogue, and peacebuilding, while fostering inclusive engagement and social cohesion across communities. 

The visit underscored Switzerland’s ongoing support for Moldova’s efforts to provide protection for refugees and to enhance the resilience of the hosting communities, through coordinated humanitarian aid and long-term development assistance.