It is a busy morning at the hospital in Almelo. Not for medical treatment, but for a special humanitarian mission. Medical supplies are being collected in the Netherlands to be sent to Moldova, a country in dire need of such support. The relief supplies include wheelchairs and mattresses donated by Dutch hospitals.

This mission was launched at short notice. Those involved, who are from Brussels, are in Almelo for the actual loading of the lorry. The lorry is being loaded with carefully selected supplies. These will arrive in Moldova within a few days, at hospitals that have been screened in advance.

This ensures that everything ends up with the right people, in the right places. This time, the supplies will mainly go to the national oncology institute in the capital, Kishinev. This is the largest hospital in the country, specialising in cancer treatment.

Consideration has also been given to the follow-up: a registration system makes it easy to track where the goods end up. This transparency is essential for the reliability of the aid provided.

Control, supervision and local cooperation

The monitoring of the delivery and correct use of the aid is well organised. A Moldovan woman who has been living in the Netherlands for many years plays an important role in this. She is not only deeply committed to her country of birth, but also has a strong sense of responsibility towards Dutch aid workers.

She travels to Moldova several times a year to see for herself how the donations are being used. Thanks to her efforts, the goods can be checked on the spot without prior notice. This ensures that there is no misuse.

The resources are intended exclusively for patients. They may not be resold or used for other purposes. This form of supervision is crucial in a country where the need for medical support is great, but where supervision is not always a given.

We also collaborate with local partners in Moldova. Only hospitals and institutions that have been screened in advance are eligible for support. This maximises the impact of donations and prevents waste.

The journey: four days on the road to hope

The medical supplies are transported by lorry. According to European regulations, a driver may drive for a maximum of eight consecutive hours. As a result, the expected travel time from Almelo to Moldova is approximately four days.

Although this is not an emergency aid operation, the urgency is palpable. Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe, where hospitals often struggle with shortages of the most basic supplies.

As soon as the lorry arrives, the cargo is distributed immediately. This time, the oncology institute in Kishinev receives the largest share. This hospital treats thousands of cancer patients every year and has limited resources.

Thanks to this donation, mattresses, wheelchairs and other aids are given a second life. What is no longer used in the Netherlands makes the difference between basic care and no care at all in Moldova.

What else is needed in Moldovan hospitals?

Although this delivery makes an important contribution, the need remains high. The organisation Onorăm Olanda, which coordinates the mission, keeps a long wish list.

A major problem in Moldova is malnourished babies. For mothers who are unable to breastfeed, there are insufficient resources such as bottle feeding or special baby formula. These products are scarce and expensive.

In addition, there is a need for disposable medical supplies such as syringes, gloves and bandages. These items are often reused in Moldovan hospitals, which poses health risks.

Furthermore, there is a shortage of basic equipment, such as first aid kits, defibrillators and even ambulances. Especially in rural areas, the lack of well-equipped emergency vehicles is life-threatening.

The need is therefore structural. Onorokom Olanda is trying to better meet the demand in Moldova through Dutch contacts. Every donation counts – and is carefully checked for destination and use.

Why this commitment to Moldova?

The question of why this aid is needed is often asked. The answer is simple: Moldova lacks many facilities that we take for granted in the Netherlands.

The Moldovan population often lives below the poverty line. Healthcare is not always accessible, and hospitals lack sufficient resources.

De initiatiefnemers van deze missie hebben een persoonlijke band met het land. Ze voelen zich moreel verplicht om te helpen – juist omdat ze weten hoe groot het verschil kan zijn tussen ‘iets’ en ‘niets’.

By reusing waste materials from Dutch healthcare institutions, good items are given a second chance. At the same time, you are helping people who are in dire need.

It’s a win-win situation: less waste here, more care there. Moldova is extremely grateful, and rightly so. Every wheelchair, every mattress, every bottle of formula counts.

Finally.

Would you like to contribute to this mission yourself, or do you have materials available that are suitable for reuse? Please contact Onorokom Olanda or the hospital in Almelo. Together we can make a difference – for the people who need us most.