Project in support of refugees implemented by international students of ”Nicolae Testemitanu” University

A project developed by four students of Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Republic of Moldova has been named the winner of Sergio Vieira de Mello Academic Chair (SVMAC) - Grant Program (Moldova), implemented by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Moldova, in partnership with the Law Center of Advocates (CDA). The Refugee Health Connect project aims to improve access to health services and increase health understanding among refugee and migrant communities in the Republic of Moldova, through direct participation, educational activities and applied research. 

This initiative obtained a grant worth 40,000 lei and was developed by students from Faculty of Medicine No. 2 Fathima Nizamudeen and Rachel Mary Manoj (5th year), Tishya Mukherjee (6th year) and Ibtihaj Irfan (3rd year). 

The official launch of the project took place on October 17, 2025, at Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and was attended by representatives of the University administration, vice-deans, professors and student volunteers, along with guests of honor - Oleg Palii, executive director, and Svetlana Jiora, program director at the Law Center of Advocates. 

In the opening remarks, Jana Chihai, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at Nicolae Testemitanu University, stated that the project focused on both services and education and science, and the data obtained due to its implementation would support inclusive health system policies in the future. “The project constitutes an innovative bridge between humanitarian action and academic focus, namely, support of displaced refugee families through health and education consultations but also training of future generations of professionals with high social responsibility. This success reflects the ongoing commitment of Nicolae Testemitanu University to social responsibility, inclusion and the training of future generations of medical professionals, based on sustainable values ​​that consolidate academic excellence, empathy and the community involvement spirit,” the Vice-Rector emphasized. 

"The university is proud of students who can win such projects. At the Faculty of Medicine no. 2, a core of students has been created, who can determine others to join initiatives of this kind. In addition to the refugees’ health, there is also a great social responsibility, a humanitarian and medical mission that involves interacting with these vulnerable people and helping them overcome the challenges and risks they are subject to," specified Mircea Betiu, dean of Faculty of Medicine no. 2. 

"The project aims to improve access to health services and strengthen health knowledge among displaced people and migrants from the Republic of Moldova through community engagement, research and education activities. We hope that this initiative will be an example for our colleagues, who intend to address global health challenges," emphasized medical student Tishya Mukherjee. 

The grant program offered by Sergio Vieira de Mello Academic Chair supports students, researchers and academic staff from partner universities in Moldova to design and implement innovative projects that promote the protection and inclusion of refugees. 

Congratulations to the students and mentors for this remarkable achievement!