On December 18, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), marked International Migrants Day. The organizations are advocating for support for migrants in their pursuit of safety and opportunities, emphasizing access to health services. The WHO European Region, encompassing 53 Member States across Europe and Central Asia, hosts approximately 86.7 million migrants.
Among these migrants is ten-year-old Oskar from Ukraine's Odessa region. He fled the conflict with his father to Moldova but was left under UNICEF's care when his father's temporary protection expired. His father, now residing in Russia, holds a Russian passport while Oskar's mother lives in Germany without contact with him. His siblings remain in Ukraine with their grandmother.
Oskar has found hope with a foster family in Moldova. Since August 2023, he has been living with Lucia and Dimitrii Frunza and has developed a warm relationship with them. UNICEF provides him psychological support and ensures his education at a local school. Despite past challenges, Oskar dreams of becoming a vet or confectioner due to his love for animals and sweets.
Moldova faces economic challenges as one of Europe's poorest countries, particularly affecting families with many or disabled children. The situation worsened with over 500,000 Ukrainian refugees arriving since February 2022 due to ongoing conflict.
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), alongside UNICEF and KfW, aims to enhance healthcare services and learning environments in Moldova. This program supports modern sanitary facilities adapted to climate change in educational institutions and early intervention services for children with developmental delays or disabilities. It targets Ukrainian refugee families in Moldova as well as Moldovan families providing refuge.
For Oskar, this means accommodation within a foster family and receiving psychological support, offering him prospects for the future.