Critical aspects of health security of the Republic of Moldova compared to eastern European countries, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

In this paper we analyze the state’s preparedness for the COVID-19 crisis, as well as argues the need for selective changes following the detection of critical aspects of health security in the Republic of Moldova. The main objective of this paper is to assess the situation in the fi eld of health security in the Republic of Moldova, as well as its comparison with neighbouring countries in the regional framework of Eastern European countries, in order to identify gaps in health security indicators in the country. The novelty of the research consists in conducting for the fi rst time the benchmarking analysis of health security in the Republic of Moldova based on the Global Health Security Index. In the benchmarking analysis, the average score calculated for Eastern European countries is considered as the reference value for each category. In the analysis performed the categories with lower than average ratings are considered critical. Research has shown that the most critical categories of health security for the Republic of Moldova are: Rapid response to and mitigation of the spread of an epidemic; Health system; Early detection and reporting for epidemics of potential international concern, and Overall risk environment. Study has found significant weaknesses in the state’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to health emergencies; severe gaps in the health system; vulnerability to political, socio-economic risks that may undermine pandemic preparedness and response. The paper also identifi es critical categories of health security in Eastern European countries, including: Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Belarus that can be used by decision makers in these countries in the process of adjusting state policies and drafting policy documents. At the end of the paper are formulated two groups of conclusions and proposals: in the regional context of Eastern European countries, as well as those directly addressed to decision makers in the Republic of Moldova.