Children with developmental disorders and disabilities in Chișinău now have access to free early intervention services in a public medical institution

Chișinău, 18 September 2025. Children aged 0 - 5 in Chișinău who face developmental disorders or disabilities now benefit from free and specialized early intervention services. The first Early Childhood Intervention Center integrated within a public medical institution has been inaugurated at the Territorial Medical Association (AMT) Centru.

The Center was established thanks to the UNICEF project “Creation and Development of Early Intervention Services for Children with Developmental Disorders and Disabilities,” implemented by Lumos Moldova, with financial support from the Government of Norway, through an investment of approximately USD 100,000.

The new center provides children with the opportunity for early assessment and support during the crucial first years of life, a period decisive for recovery and development. Parents also receive guidance and support to better recognize and manage the first signs of difficulty, while the entire family finds a safe and welcoming environment.

“Every child has the right to a life full of hope, care, and opportunities. The opening of the Early Intervention Center at AMT Centru is more than an institutional achievement - it is a promise to every child and family in need of support. Together with Lumos Foundation, AMT Centru, and the generous support of the Government of Norway, we are building a future where no child is left behind,” stated Angela Capcelea, Health Specialist at UNICEF Moldova.

“The inauguration of the Early Childhood Intervention Center in Chișinău represents a key step in strengthening the national network of integrated services for children. The Ministry of Health remains firmly committed to ensuring free and equitable access to quality services, so that every child has the chance for harmonious development and full integration into society,” declared Angela Paraschiv, State Secretary of the Ministry of Health.

Services at the Early Childhood Intervention Center are provided free of charge, with costs covered by the National Health Insurance Company (CNAM). A multidisciplinary team - comprising a pediatrician, neurologist, speech therapist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and social worker - develops a personalized program for each child, including 10 - 15 therapy sessions in which parents also participate. The Center also features a sensory room, a specially designed space to stimulate learning through play, exploration, and interaction in a safe and friendly environment.

“The first three years of life are decisive for children’s harmonious development, and early identification of risks of delay or disability can make a difference. For a long time, parents did not have access to integrated services that provide immediate and professional support. Through this project, early intervention becomes more accessible to families in Chișinău - free of charge, in a welcoming setting where both children and parents are equally supported. The opening of the center increases the chances of preventing or mitigating developmental disorders,” stated Marcel Straton, Director of LUMOS Moldova.

The project “Creation and Development of Early Intervention Services for Children with Developmental Disorders and Disabilities” has been implemented since October 2023. Within its framework, two Early Intervention Centers were opened in Fălești and Cimișlia, with support from the Government of Germany, along with 12 Child Development Offices, six in each district. The partnership between UNICEF, national authorities, LUMOS, and international partners contributes to strengthening and expanding the national network of early intervention services for children, bringing support closer to communities - free, accessible, and tailored to the needs of each child.