Acting Health Minister: Every hour, one Moldovan suffers stroke. Every minute counts

Last year, 5,624 cases of stroke were registered in the Republic of Moldova, and in the first months of this year, 5,384 cases have already been diagnosed. Every hour, a Moldovan suffers a stroke, but the number of cases successfully treated has increased. The data was presented by the authorities in the context of World Stroke Day.

At the opening of the event, Acting Health Minister Ala Nemerenco drew attention to the dramatic scope of stroke in the Republic of Moldova, as well as to the progress made in recent years.


“World Stroke Day reminds us every year that every second counts — every moment can make the difference between life and death. Stroke is the leading cause of disability in adults and the second cause of dementia in the elderly. In the Republic of Moldova, nearly 10,000 people annually suffer a stroke, a third of whom die in the acute phase, and another third remain dependent on medical care for a long period or even for the rest of their lives,” the minister said.


Nemerenco stressed that our country ranks among the top ten in the world in stroke incidence, and mortality is three to four times higher than the European average.


“Every hour, a Moldovan suffers a stroke. Every minute counts for their life. Therefore, investments in these stroke centers, in modern equipment, and in the training of medical personnel are direct investments in human lives.”


She mentioned that, to address this challenge, in 2023 the National Network for Stroke Treatment was created, consisting of 13 specialized centers — 11 primary centers and two national reference centers, at the Institute of Emergency Medicine and Diomid Gherman Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery.


“The Ministry of Health equipped these centers with CT scanners, telemedicine equipment, Doppler devices, electronic monitors, rapid INR analyzers, and modern hospital beds. A significant portion of this equipment was purchased with the support of the Swiss Government, to whom we express our deep gratitude.”


According to the minister, these investments have led to a reduction of over 50% in the time from symptom onset to admission, which has resulted in more lives saved and fewer cases of disability.


“The results are visible. The number of intravenous thrombolyses has increased by about 60%, and the number of mechanical thrombectomies has doubled. Through the telemedicine system, patients' access to treatment during the therapeutic window has increased by nearly 40%. These figures are not just statistics – they mean lives saved, families reunited, people regaining their ability to walk, speak, and hope.”


Present at the event, Guido Beltrán, director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in the Republic of Moldova, spoke about Switzerland's ongoing support for modernizing the medical system and training emergency personnel.


“It is a great honor to be here today alongside the Ministry of Health to continue the National Information Campaign on Stroke. The campaign conveys a clear and vital message: Every minute counts. Learn the signs, save a life. The difference between life and death, between recovery and disability, is determined by the speed of intervention.”


He mentioned that, in the past year, over 700 doctors and nurses have been trained to respond to stroke cases, and medical standards have been updated according to the latest scientific evidence.


“It is not enough for the population to recognize the signs of a stroke. It is essential for the medical system to respond quickly and efficiently. In this regard, the Living with Care for Life project, launched with Swiss support, contributed to improving emergency response and increasing patient recovery chances.”


Beltrán reaffirmed Switzerland's commitment to continue supporting reforms in the medical rehabilitation.


“Switzerland remains a dedicated partner to the Republic of Moldova. We will continue to support efforts for prevention, rapid intervention, and post-stroke rehabilitation, so every patient has the chance for an active and dignified life.”


Diana Manea, director of the Institute of Emergency Medicine, presented data indicating the constant progress of the national stroke management system.


“Between 2017–2024, the incidence of strokes increased from 7.37 to 10.1 cases per 10,000 inhabitants. Mortality has decreased from 165 to 123 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, which shows that our interventions are yielding results.”


Manea mentioned that 13 centers are now fully operational, and 58% of thrombolyses are already carried out at the primary center level.

She also emphasized the importance of telemedicine.


“The number of remote consultations increased from 100 to 150 per month. This means faster and more equitable access to medical expertise for patients from all regions of the country.”


The representative of the World Health Organization in the Republic of Moldova, Miljana Grbic, congratulated the authorities and doctors for the results achieved.


“Time is life when it comes to stroke. Investments and innovations in Moldova's medical system are building a model of quick and efficient response, which saves lives and strengthens public trust.”


She highlighted the contribution of WHO and the Swiss Government, who supported the acquisition of high-performance medical equipment for the 13 stroke treatment centers in the country.


“Investments, worth nearly $1.9 million, will help improve patients' medical outcomes and strengthen hospitals' capacity to respond effectively in emergencies.”


The event dedicated to World Stroke Day ended with a shared message of solidarity and responsibility from authorities, international partners, and the medical community.