specific needs of children and elderly left behind as a ... - IOM Moldova

The health of family members The involved perception in the of migration labour migration process
tenderness, communication, happiness” (FG_C_3_rural). This phrase is
much more than a child’s observation. It recounts the spiritual deep suffering
these children are going through as a result of being deprived of
parental care and support.
The absence of permanent monitoring from parents may motivate minors
to adopt harmful behaviours such as using alcohol, tobacco, etc. As
they receive money from their parents and are not controlled by them,
children are tempted to use it in their own interests, which may be harmful
to their health.
In the absence of close and constant contact with their parents who
are abroad, many children accumulate knowledge about health and
sex education from mass media sources, from their classmates, and
on the street, which is insufficient towards adopting healthy behaviour.
There is no methodical approach to special information on health risks
for these children, which increases the likelihood of developing many diseases
(caused by alcohol, tobacco, unhealthy diet, etc.) and, in particular,
of sexually transmitted diseases and premature pregnancies.
• The access to health care services and monitoring of children left
behind
In the Republic of Moldova, as required by law, all children are provided
with free of charge medical assistance, covered by the government.
The study revealed that many children left behind, independently seek
medical help whenever they have a health issue. Some interviewed
children affirm going to hospitals or being hospitalized independently.
The study shows the case of a 10 year boy who lives with his grandmother:
“I usually go to the doctor with my grandmother, but once I went
there alone. My grandmother had to stay in bed – her back hurt. Both of
us had problems… She had back ache and I had an angina. Thus I went
to the doctor alone, wearing winter clothing...” (III_C_3). The same fact
is confirmed by a young lady aged 16: “I used to go with my mom to
the doctor. But since she left for Moscow, I have had some issues with my
head and stomach due to the anxiety and nervousness when I had to see
the doctor by myself” (III_C_4).
Unfortunately, we cannot be sure that a minor will always understand the
severity of health problems that may arise to be able to react promptly: “I
thought it would pass and that it was nothing serious, but...”. A girl aged 15
who lives with her little sister and suffers from a kidney disease told us:
“They said that I had kidney “gravel”. I received treatment. I had to go again
in 3 months for another examination but I didn’t... I started to have frequent
headaches so I couldn’t go” (III_C_19).
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