In collaboration with St. Jude, the team reviewed paediatric oncology and explored the way forward to increase services, building on Moldova's progress to date in tackling childhood cancers. (Photo: I. Veljkovikj, IAEA).
A review by IAEA and partners has found that Moldova has taken significant steps to tackle childhood and other cancers and set out recommendations to strengthen services for vulnerable populations as the country prepares its National Cancer Control Programme 2026-2030.
Cancer remains a main public health challenge in Moldova, with nearly 15 000 new cases and more than 8 000 deaths annually. The Government has declared cancer control a national priority, with a focus on upgrading care infrastructure and the availability of diagnostic and treatment technologies.
The imPACT review, conducted by the IAEA, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC), evaluated Moldova's cancer control capacities across the full spectrum of care - from prevention and early detection to treatment and palliative care.
As part of a new global partnership between the IAEA and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to strengthen paediatric radiation oncology, the review also assessed childhood cancer services.
The international team of experts underlined opportunities to improve cancer governance in Moldova, aligning with good practices and strategies in the European region . They also recommended actions to strengthen human resources for cancer control, including paediatric oncology, and partnerships that could support health financing.
"This is a new era for our oncology system - one in which decisions are no longer fragmented but based on an independent vision anchored to the best international standards," said Moldova's Minister of Health Emil Ceban at the opening of the imPACT review mission in November 2025.
The experts also visited other facilities related to cancer care, such as the Timofei Moșneaga Republican Clinical Hospital. (Photo: N. Notar/ IAEA)
A Focus on Vulnerable Populations
Childhood cancers affect 120 children aged 0-19 years every year, according to the latest IARC estimates. Key challenges in tackling this include financial barriers and limited availability of specific medicines. In 2025, the country joined the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines to secure critical therapies.
Moldova also hosts a significant number of Ukrainian refugees, including childhood cancer patients, providing them with treatment in Moldova or in neighbouring countries.
"Moldova has made remarkable progress in childhood cancer care, driven by the dedication of its clinicians, strong support from the Ministry of Health and growing international collaboration," said Sanjeeva Gunasekera, a paediatric oncologist who participated in the mission on behalf of St. Jude who participated in the mission.
At the PMSI Institute of Oncology, the imPACT review team reviewed services such as pathology, early detection, nuclear medicine and radiation oncology. (Photo: M. Losada, WHO)
Investment in Human Resources and Technology
From 10-14 November 2025, the imPACT review team met with several stakeholders and visited cancer care facilities, including the PMSI Institute of Oncology and the Mother and Child Institute, which provides paediatric care.
"Quality imaging is essential for the accurate staging and management of paediatric cancers," said Anita Brink, Nuclear Physician at the IAEA's Division of Human Health. "The Government of Moldova has shown commitment for improving access to quality imaging services."
They urged increased investment in oncology training and retention strategies and in digital health, including telemedicine, to increase the availability of services.
They also recommended enhancing multisectoral cancer governance in Moldova, involving academia, professional groups, and civil society. Strengthened and effective collaboration among all cancer stakeholders would support the planning and delivery of cancer services.
