In recent years, Moldova has struggled economically due to problems like the Covid-19 pandemic, the crisis between Russia and Ukraine on its northern and eastern borders, rising inflation (above 27 per cent) and energy costs. At the same time, by 2023, Moldova was the country with the most refugees per capita in Europe. With just over 2.5 million inhabitants of its own, more than one million Ukrainian refugees crossed its borders, with some 120,000 resettling in the country – the majority in host communities already in need of assistance. Action Against Hunger established a response in Moldova at the beginning of the war between Russia and Ukraine, to address the needs of both Ukrainian refugees and host communities.

In 2024, the humanitarian situation in Moldova stabilised significantly as the influx of Ukrainian refugees decreased and most reception centres closed. With a reduced number of new arrivals and a shift towards integration of the remaining refugees, managed by local and national actors, Action Against Hunger planned the progressive closure of its mission in the country. This transition was designed to ensure a sustainable and orderly handover of responsibilities by the end of the year.

Action Against Hunger’s operations in Moldova in 2024 focused primarily on providing cash and food assistance, rehabilitating Water, Sanitation and Hygiene infrastructure in shelters, and promoting infant and young child feeding practices. Despite delays caused by the changing situation, which necessitated changes to planned projects, Action Against Hunger successfully continued its support to refugees and host communities.

At the end of the mission, Action Against Hunger conducted a comprehensive evaluation, including an assessment of the response in Ukraine and Moldova commissioned by the Disasters Emergency Committee, to draw lessons learned and guide future programming. This closure marks the successful handover of responsibilities to national systems, ensuring that local actors continue to meet the ongoing needs of the refugee population.

Action Against Hunger continues to monitor the situation in Moldova, having built partnerships with local actors that would allow us to reactivate an emergency response if necessary.