Hosted by Dr. Adrian Belîi, Head of the Health Commission, the roundtable brought together the Ministry of Health, the National Cancer Control Programme, the Moldovan Oncological Institute, the Little People Organisation and Viața fără leucemie.
The event showcased the progress made through the European Network of Youth Cancer Survivors EU co-funded project, advancing cancer care policy and patient advocacy across Europe. Discussions centred on making cancer care more inclusive, addressing access in  rural areas, language barriers, neurodiversity, health literacy, and support for marginalised groups.

Youth Cancer Europe shared key resources, including the “Recommendations for Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive (EDI) Cancer Care” Policy Paper, insights from the EDI Training Toolkit, the “Minimum Standards of Specialist Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Care Units” Position Paper, and practical tools for improving inclusive care for young people with cancer.

Moldova has had a National Cancer Control Programme since 2016, partially aligned with Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and has shown a strong willingness to pursue systemic reform in its aspiration to join the European Union. In response to the ongoing war, the country has welcomed more Ukrainian people living with and beyond cancer than any other other nation, while also being home to large Russian-speaking and Romanian-speaking communities that form the majority of its population.

During the roundtable Moldova’s healthcare achievements in cancer care, including progress in early diagnosis, digitalisation, and rural access, were highlighted, alongside ongoing challenges such as limited system interoperability, underdeveloped patient advocacy, and the impact of regional crises.

Youth Cancer Europe Participates in a High-Level Inclusivity Roundtable in the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova

As part of our ongoing work to advance inclusivity in cancer care across Europe, Youth Cancer Europe organised a High-Level Roundtable in the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova.

Hosted by Dr. Adrian Belîi, Head of the Health Commission, the roundtable brought together the Ministry of Health, the National Cancer Control Programme, the Moldovan Oncological Institute, the Little People Organisation and Viața fără leucemie.

The event showcased the progress made through the European Network of Youth Cancer Survivors EU co-funded project, advancing cancer care policy and patient advocacy across Europe. Discussions centred on making cancer care more inclusive, addressing access in  rural areas, language barriers, neurodiversity, health literacy, and support for marginalised groups.

Youth Cancer Europe shared key resources, including the “Recommendations for Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive (EDI) Cancer Care” Policy Paper, insights from the EDI Training Toolkit, the “Minimum Standards of Specialist Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Care Units” Position Paper, and practical tools for improving inclusive care for young people with cancer.

Moldova has had a National Cancer Control Programme since 2016, partially aligned with Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and has shown a strong willingness to pursue systemic reform in its aspiration to join the European Union. In response to the ongoing war, the country has welcomed more Ukrainian people living with and beyond cancer than any other other nation, while also being home to large Russian-speaking and Romanian-speaking communities that form the majority of its population.

During the roundtable Moldova’s healthcare achievements in cancer care, including progress in early diagnosis, digitalisation, and rural access, were highlighted, alongside ongoing challenges such as limited system interoperability, underdeveloped patient advocacy, and the impact of regional crises.

Following the discussions several key actions were proposed:

• Moldova should benefit from YCE's expertise to integrate priorities (such as fertility, mental health, and the "Right to be Forgotten") into the new 2025–2035 Cancer Plan and align with European standards.
  
  
• Moldovan institutions, such as the Oncology Institute, along with patient associations, should actively participate in YCE's efforts to promote inclusivity in cancer care.
  
  
• Support the growth and development of patient organisations through training in collaboration with YCE, enabling them to influence policy, contribute to the cancer plan, and ensure meaningful representation.
  
  

The event in Moldova helped establish a solid basis for future dialogue, joint initiatives, and long-term collaboration.

Building on this momentum, we look forward to continuing the dialogue and working together towards shared priorities and joint initiatives. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

🙏 With gratitude to the following contributors to the High-Level Roundtable: Dr. Adrian Belîi, Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Head of the Social Protection, Health and Family Commission; Katie Rizvi, Executive Director of Youth Cancer Europe; Dr. Diana Buga, Health Ministry of the Republic of Moldova, Health Policy Department; Dr. Rodica Mândruță Stratan, Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Programme of the Republic of Moldova; Dr. Ruslan Baltaga, Director of the Moldovan Oncological Institute; Dr. Natalia Lisiță, Paediatric Oncologist, Moldovan Oncological Institute; Dr. Rodica Golban, Paediatric Oncologist and Hematologist, Moldovan Oncological Institute; Amelia Țurcanu, Consultant to the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova; Victor Gîrbu, YCE Patient Advocate; Hilda Hajdu, Project Manager at YCE; Natalia Vîlcu-Bajurean, Patient Representative from Viața fără Leucemie.