SDC - Better control of water in Moldova

Project Title :

Better control of water in Moldova

Organisation :

SDC

Partner(s) :

Chisinau Coorperation Office

Region :

Moldova

Project Number :

KA: 7F- 01025.01

Duration :

April 2002 - June 2003

Financing (US$) :

CHF 100,000 (approx. USD 70-80k)

Status :

Closed (?)

URL :

Description :

The purpose of this project is to improve the situation of the health system in two regions of Moldova. An outbreak of cholera in Moldova in 1996 made people realize the importance of clean water and the need to avoid a repeat epidemic. An earlier SDC project had identified the poor condition of the laboratories in Ungheni and Lapusna which carry out the monthly checks on drinking and ground water, and these facilities are now being renovated under the current project. The necessary equipment and chemicals for testing the quality of the water are being provided, and local staff are being trained in the use of the new apparatus and methods. At the same time, the SDC is organizing parallel checks in Switzerland, in order to monitor the local test findings. This project serves to modernize a small but important aspect of preventive medicine in Moldova. Given the existing conditions, impure water could well result in an increase in intestinal infections. Moldova is one of the most backward members of the Stability Pact – in fact, the UN has rated it as the poorest country in Europe – so it makes sense to anticipate and prevent a humanitarian emergency.

Lessons Learned :

Contact :

SDC