The National Anti-Doping Agency of the Republic of Moldova (NADO Moldova) and the International Testing Agency (ITA) have entered into a partnership aimed at strengthening anti-doping efforts in the Republic of Moldova. This collaboration combines NADO Moldova’s deep knowledge of the national sporting landscape with the ITA’s independent international expertise.
Supported fully by the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, which oversees national sports, this initiative reflects a shared commitment to protecting athletes and the integrity of sports competitions. The partnership aims to enhance the implementation of anti-doping activities by merging national experience with independent international operational expertise.
A Global Framework for Cooperation
National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) play a central role in the global anti-doping framework, serving as the primary bodies responsible for implementing and enforcing the World Anti-Doping Code at the national level. The ITA collaborates closely with NADOs and Regional Anti-Doping Organizations (RADOs) worldwide through bilateral agreements to facilitate exchange and cooperation, fostering synergies between national and international anti-doping programs.
This partnership reinforces and extends this spirit of cooperation, bringing together the complementary capabilities of both organizations while increasing independence across several key operational areas of Moldova’s anti-doping program.
Roles and Contributions
Under this agreement:
NADO Moldova contributes its knowledge of the national sporting environment, its proximity to athletes and stakeholders, and its established role within the domestic anti-doping framework.
The ITA provides its independence, digital tools, and specialized expertise developed through the implementation of Code-compliant programs for over 80 partner organizations globally.
By working together, the two organizations aim to strengthen the effectiveness and sustainability of anti-doping activities in Moldova, ensuring that Moldovan athletes benefit from a robust and credible system.
Key Elements of the Partnership
Risk Assessment: Conducted by the ITA using its data analysis capabilities, informed by NADO Moldova’s insights into the domestic sporting environment.
Test Distribution Plan (TDP): Developed by the ITA with support from NADO Moldova to ensure a risk-based strategy and the implementation of independent testing for Moldovan athletes.
Athlete Biological Passport (ABP): Monitoring of biological data by specialized experts within the ITA’s global program.
Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE): Applications will be reviewed by the ITA’s International TUE Committee (ITUEC), leveraging a wide spectrum of medical expertise, while NADO Moldova facilitates administrative coordination with athletes.
Compliance Support: Dedicated assistance to help NADO Moldova resolve outstanding Corrective Actions identified by the WADA Compliance Monitoring Program, with the goal of closing the Corrective Action Report (CAR) and ensuring full alignment with the World Anti-Doping Code.
Results Management for any potential cases arising from ITA-supported activities and Clean Sport Education for Moldovan athletes will continue to be managed by NADO Moldova in accordance with the national anti-doping framework.
Official Statements
Benjamin Cohen, Director General of the ITA:
"Strong national anti-doping organizations are fundamental to the credibility of the global anti-doping system. By combining NADO Moldova’s knowledge of the national sporting landscape with the ITA’s independent operational and compliance expertise, we can strengthen key program elements while ensuring Moldovan athletes benefit from a robust and credible framework. The ITA was created to contribute to the global fight against doping, and we are delighted to support NADO Moldova in this spirit of collaboration. This partnership is a significant step toward enhanced independence and better governance in the fight against doping in Moldova."
Artiom Jucov, Director General of NADO Moldova:
"Our mission and responsibility are to ensure the implementation of the anti-doping program in Moldova in a consistent, confident, and accountable manner. This partnership with the ITA allows us to further strengthen key areas of our program and benefit from international expertise in anti-doping activities. It is a major step in the continuous development of our system in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code and in the interest of clean athletes in Moldova."
A Shared Responsibility
Anti-doping is a collective responsibility within the global sporting community. In a context where resources are often limited, initiatives that combine existing know-how and capabilities can significantly increase system effectiveness while avoiding the unnecessary duplication of efforts.
As a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code, NADO Moldova remains responsible for implementing Code-compliant programs and can now rely on the ITA to support efficient implementation. This partnership contributes to a credible framework that ultimately protects the integrity of sport in Moldova and beyond.
