Oskar loves animals and sweets ...

On 18 December, the World Health Organization (WHO) - in cooperation with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) - celebrates International Migrants Day. WHO and ILO are calling for people to be supported in their search for safety and opportunities, including by facilitating their access to health services. The WHO European Region - which comprises 53 Member States across Europe and Central Asia - is home to the largest proportion of people living outside their country of origin, an estimated 86.7 million migrants.

One of them is ten-year-old Oskar from the Odessa region of Ukraine. He fled the war with his father to the Republic of Moldova; however, his father had to leave the country when the temporary protection agreement expired and Oskar was handed over to the care of UNICEF staff. His father has a Russian passport and now lives in Russia, his mother lives in Germany - the boy has no contact with her. His three siblings are being looked after by their grandmother in Ukraine - a family shattered by the turmoil of war.

But even here there is hope. Fortunately for Oskar, a foster family was found in Moldova: He has been living with Lucia and Dimitrii Frunza since August 2023 and has a warm relationship with them. UNICEF has also ensured that he receives psychological support and attends the local school. After this difficult time, Oskar has dreams again: he wants to become a vet or a confectioner, because he loves animals and sweets.

The Republic of Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe - families with many or disabled children are particularly affected.

The situation has been exacerbated by the influx of over 500,000 Ukrainian refugees as a result of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine since February 2022. On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and in cooperation with UNICEF, KfW is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services and an inclusive and safe learning environment. Among other things, the programme finances modern sanitary facilities adapted to climate change in schools and preschools, early detection and intervention services for children with developmental delays and/or disabilities. The immediate target group of the programme includes children and families who have fled from Ukraine to Moldova due to the war, but also Moldovan children and families who offer protection to Ukrainian refugees.

For Oskar, this specifically means accommodation in a foster family and psychological support, and therefore the prospect of a future.