Solidarity marathon in a park in Chisinau: "Tuberculosis can be defeated"

Dozens of people participated on Saturday, March 21, in a solidarity marathon organized in the "Rose Valley" Park in Chisinau, to convey a clear message: tuberculosis can be defeated through unity and joint action. The event was organized in the context in which this disease remains a serious public health problem, being highly contagious and potentially fatal if not treated in time.

The marathon also included interactive moments, including a contest dedicated to the participants, who answered questions about tuberculosis.

"Tuberculosis only affects the lungs. False. Those who answered 'false' step forward."

Afterwards, the participants lined up at the starting line and started the race.

The participants ran to express their solidarity and support towards people affected by tuberculosis, demonstrating active involvement in the fight against this condition.

"Everyone can participate in this marathon. In fact, it's not just an event about running, but about sending a message. We need to show the people affected by tuberculosis that we are with them, that we are not indifferent and that Moldova stands in solidarity," said Sergiu Gherman, director of the Center for Health Policies.

"This is my second time participating; I also participated last year. I like this kind of sport because it improves health and gives you strength for many years."

"This is the first year that I am participating in this marathon. I decided to participate because only together, as a community, we can change things for the better, and people need to know about tuberculosis, know that it exists and that it is treatable."

"We've already participated three or four years in a row. I think it's very important to be here because we support those with tuberculosis who don't have the same opportunity to get out."

"We participate every year, and the message is to raise awareness that tuberculosis has not gone away. We try to convey this message to young people, so I take my child with me every year."

The Republic of Moldova is among the countries with a high incidence rate of tuberculosis. However, thanks to free access to modern drugs and improved treatment conditions, mortality has decreased significantly, from 406 cases in 2015 to 124 in 2025.

"We have now completed the National Tuberculosis Response Program for the years 2021-2025. The program for the next five years has been developed and we hope that it will be approved. The long-term goal is to have a Moldova without tuberculosis, without deaths and without high costs," said Valentina Vilc, coordinator of the National Tuberculosis Response Program.

in 2025, 1,734 new cases of tuberculosis were registered in the Republic of Moldova, down from 2024, when 1,935 cases were registered. Thanks to the early detection of the disease, our country has also seen a decrease in the number of cases of tuberculosis among children. Thus, in 2025, 117 new cases of tuberculosis in children were registered, compared to 145 cases in 2024.