In an increasingly interconnected world, accessing accurate health information remains a critical challenge for many adolescents. In Moldova, a digital health project led by INTERSOS is breaking down barriers of silence and stigma to ensure that every young person can make informed decisions about their bodies and their futures.

 

 

 

Moldova is currently facing significant demographic and social challenges. With an adolescent birth rate of 22.4 per 1,000 women (aged 15–19) and limited sexual education coverage in schools, many young people find themselves without reliable guidance. This situation is further compounded by the pressure on infrastructure caused by the regional crisis: as of early 2026, Moldova hosts approximately 140,000 Ukrainian refugees, 40% of whom are children and adolescents with urgent and specific health needs.

A Participatory Response: The Genesis of the Youth Klinic App

 

To address these needs, INTERSOS—in collaboration with the “Nicolae Testemitanu” University of Medicine and the Neovita network—launched the “Community Participatory Digital Health Initiative.”

This is not a “top-down” app; it is a tool co-designed with the end-users themselves. Through focus groups conducted across the country, we consulted 50 young people aged 15 to 24, including Ukrainian refugees, to understand their real-world needs.

What did these young people tell us?

  • Social Media as a primary resource: Youth turn to TikTok and Instagram for answers but struggle to distinguish facts from fake news on sensitive topics like contraception and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

  • The weight of stigma: Many adolescents feel shame or fear judgment when seeking medical advice in person.

  • Desire for anonymity: The ability to consult a specialist privately was identified as the main incentive for using health services.

 

 

Key Features of the YK App

 

Based on these research findings, the YK App was designed to be a safe and inclusive ecosystem:

  • Verified Information: Content on puberty, emergency contraception, and STI prevention, validated by medical professionals to counter online misinformation.

  • Accessible Language: Use of short videos, audio clips, and personal testimonials, avoiding complex medical jargon.

  • Multilingual Support: The interface is available in Romanian, Russian, Ukrainian, and English to ensure no one is left behind, especially young refugees.

  • Anonymous Consultation: Secure chat features allow youth to interact with experts without fear of prejudice.

 

 

The INTERSOS Commitment to the Future

 

“This project demonstrates how technology, when used in a community-driven and participatory way, can transform access to healthcare,” the research team commented.

Our goal is not just to provide an application, but to promote true health literacy. INTERSOS will continue to work toward making the YK App a bridge between young people and national health services, ensuring that the right to sexual and reproductive health becomes a reality for everyone, regardless of their origin.

This project is funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with Neovita and the “Nicolae Testemitanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy.