Moldovans' health declined in the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse. Life expectancy decreased while premature mortality increased. There was a spike in tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS cases, and a heavy burden of social problems added to deteriorating health indicators across the board.
Poor economic performance in the past decade, and the inefficiency of the health care system that Moldova inherited from the Soviet Union, led the country to downsize health facilities. Yet, the primary health care system was underdeveloped and preventive medical care non-existent.
Health care reforms launched by the Government of Moldova in 2004 included the creation of a national health insurance scheme and a different way of financing the entire sector. These changes were supported by World Bank financing. The Health Services and Social Assistance Project aims to increase access to good quality and efficient health services. It also wants to increase coverage for recipients of health services with the ultimate goal of decreasing premature mortality and disability rates.