Ukraine presents its care system priorities at high-level meeting in Moldova

Ukraine is developing a system of social services that is people-centred, supports families and delivers assistance directly in communities. Its priorities include stronger support for families that include persons with disabilities, the introduction of early intervention, and state funding for designated basic social services from 2027. This was stated by Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Ilona Havronska at a high-level meeting in Chisinau.

The event was organized by the Government of the Republic of Moldova in cooperation with the UN Women Regional Office. It brought together representatives of governments of Europe and Central Asia, international organizations and partners to launch the Care Action Agenda for 2026–2030 and strengthen regional cooperation.

In her address, Ilona Havronska emphasized that even in wartime, Ukraine is consistently developing its social services system, with people's needs at its centre.

"For Ukraine, investing in care systems means investing in human capital, economic resilience, equal opportunities and the recovery of the country. The full-scale Russian invasion has significantly increased the need for accessible, quality care services. Our priority is to move from fragmented assistance to an accessible, continuous, person-centred care system," said Ilona Havronska.

She presented the key changes being introduced by the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity under the leadership of Denys Uliutin in the area of social services and care, which will take effect in early 2027. They provide for comprehensive strengthening of state support for families that include persons with disabilities, in particular increased benefits for children with disabilities and persons with disabilities since childhood. A new approach is also being introduced to determining eligibility for the care allowance, based on the actual need for constant care.

In addition, from 2027, the state will fund basic social services for children and persons with disabilities and for families providing care. These include support during inclusive education, comprehensive development and care, and respite care for caregivers. The changes also include incorporating early intervention into legislation on social services and providing permanent state budget funding for this combined social service.

The "money follows the person" principle is being introduced for residential care and supported living for older internally displaced persons and persons with disabilities. Ukraine is also improving the delivery of social services through case management, emergency assistance and the professional development of social workers.

For her part, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova Natalia Plugaru stressed that investing in care creates new jobs and enables other people to work, strengthening family incomes and local economies. At the same time, the value of such investment also lies in ensuring a dignified life: proper development of children, the opportunity for older people to stay at home, and greater independence for persons with disabilities.

In turn, UN Women Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Belen Sanz Luque added that developing care systems is also important for achieving gender equality. She stressed that when care services are lacking, the need for them does not disappear; instead, the responsibility and associated costs fall on families, primarily on women.

Background

The high-level meeting "Investing in Care Systems for Inclusive Economic Growth and Gender Equality: Launch of the Care Action Agenda for Europe and Central Asia 2026–2030" took place on 2 November in Chisinau.

The Care Action Agenda for Europe and Central Asia 2026–2030 is a voluntary regional framework document. Its aim is to help countries turn existing international, regional and national commitments into concrete action, while strengthening policy cooperation, exchange of experience, partnerships and accountability in the region.