Moldova Advances Cancer Control, Sets Roadmap for 2026–2030

In 2025, Moldova joined the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, a significant step toward securing essential therapies for young patients.

An international review led by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), has found that Moldova has made significant progress in strengthening cancer services while identifying priority actions to protect vulnerable populations as it prepares its National Cancer Control Programme 2026–2030.

Cancer remains one of Moldova’s most pressing public health challenges, with nearly 15,000 new cases and more than 8,000 deaths recorded annually. In response, the Government has declared cancer control a national priority, focusing on upgrading care infrastructure and expanding access to advanced diagnostics and treatment technologies.

Comprehensive Review Across the Cancer Care Continuum

The imPACT review — a joint assessment conducted by the IAEA, WHO and IARC — evaluated Moldova’s cancer control capacity across the full continuum of care, from prevention and early detection to treatment and palliative services.

As part of a new global partnership between the IAEA and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to strengthen paediatric radiation oncology, the mission placed particular emphasis on childhood cancer services.

“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 review mission in November 2025.

The expert team highlighted opportunities to enhance governance structures in line with European best practices and recommended strengthening health financing partnerships and workforce capacity, particularly in paediatric oncology.

Childhood Cancer: Addressing Gaps and Barriers

According to IARC estimates, approximately 120 children aged 0–19 are diagnosed with cancer in Moldova each year. Key challenges include financial barriers to care and limited availability of certain specialised medicines.

In 2025, Moldova joined the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, a significant step toward securing essential therapies for young patients.

Moldova is also hosting a substantial number of Ukrainian refugees, including children with cancer, providing treatment domestically or facilitating care 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, paediatric oncologist and mission participant on behalf of St. Jude.

Investing in Imaging, Technology and Workforce

Between 10–14 November 2025, the imPACT team met stakeholders and conducted site visits to key facilities, including the PMSI Institute of Oncology, the Mother and Child Institute, and the Timofei Moșneaga Republican Clinical Hospital.

The review examined pathology, early detection systems, nuclear medicine and radiation oncology services.

“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 to improving access to quality imaging services.”

The mission recommended increased investment in oncology workforce training and retention strategies, alongside expanded use of digital health solutions, including telemedicine, to improve service reach and efficiency.

Experts also called for strengthened multisectoral governance, encouraging closer collaboration among academia, professional associations, civil society and policymakers to enhance planning and delivery of cancer services.

Shaping the National Cancer Control Programme 2026–2030

Follow-up imPACT sessions held in January 2026 supported the drafting of Moldova’s new National Cancer Control Programme. The strategy aims to mobilize domestic and international partners to strengthen services across the cancer spectrum, with a dedicated focus on childhood cancers.

Expanding Global Capacity in Paediatric Radiation Medicine

In June 2025, the IAEA and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital formalized a global partnership to expand paediatric radiation medicine capacity in low- and middle-income countries.

The initiative provides technical guidance and training for radiation oncologists, radiotherapy technicians and medical physicists, helping improve survival outcomes and integrate childhood cancer care into national health strategies.

Through joint imPACT Reviews conducted with WHO and IARC, countries are supported in identifying gaps, prioritizing investments and aligning cancer control strategies with international standards.

As Moldova moves toward implementing its 2026–2030 cancer strategy, the review underscores both the country’s progress and the urgent need for sustained investment, innovation and international collaboration to reduce cancer’s toll and protect its most vulnerable citizens.