Aid for Refugees - Order of Malta

Care beyond boundaries: in countries of origin, along the journey and on arrival

The world is seeing the greatest displacement of peoples for over half a century. Millions are fleeing from war, persecution and poverty. The proliferation of crises and needs is extraordinary as are the dramatic humanitarian consequences. In these desperate situations, fleeing families are at the mercy of unscrupulous traffickers and the perils of the journey to what they hope will be freedom and a new life.

The Order of Malta is present along this journey – in countries of origin, at the borders through which thousands pass, and in host countries and final destinations – assisting refugees, internally displaced persons and migrants in approximately 30 countries across the globe. Refugees fleeing Syria are met at the Malteser International field hospital in Kilis on the Turkish border.

The hospital has 100 beds and is equipped for emergency surgery. Thanks to its cooperation with local partners, Malteser International supports nine healthcare centres including three mobile clinics in the Aleppo region in Syria.

In northern Iraq, Malteser International has launched a programme for the reintegration of refugees in their countries of origin, including many persecuted minorities such as the Yazidi. The project also involves the reconstruction of infrastructure and support for training and educational courses. In central Iraq, medical teams provide healthcare and dental services to displaced persons.

Since 2008 the doctors and rescuers of the Order of Malta’s Italian Relief Corps have been present on Italian vessels operating in the Mediterranean Sea, assisting some 200,000 migrants attempting the crossing on makeshift boats. These are medical teams specialised in emergency medicine.

In various European countries, the Order of Malta is developing legal, psychosocial and medical assistance programmes for migrants and asylum seekers. There are also specific courses to aid integration and knowledge of the local culture and language.

11/09/2014

Iraq crisis: Malteser International expands aid outreach

Number of displaced and refugees continues to rise The number of displaced people and refugee camps in north Iraq continues to rise, according to the latest reports from the relief team of Malteser International, worldwide relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta. Thousands of civilians – predominantly Christians, Yazidi, Arabs and Syrian refugees – […]

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28/08/2014

Iraq crisis: Order of Malta delivers container clinic and medical aid to camps

Over the last few days, Malteser International has delivered drugs, medical supplies, wheelchairs and water filtration to two refugee camps in Ankawa, a suburb of Erbil in northern Iraq. The relief agency of the Order of Malta also delivered a shipping container clinic to the health centre of Mart Shmoni church, where gravely ill patients […]

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22/08/2014

Iraq crisis: Medicines for 10,000 displaced Christians and minorities

Back to school means thousands of displaced will soon be homeless Malteser International, the worldwide relief agency of the Order of Malta, will secure medical assistance for 10,000 displaced Christians and minorities in north Iraq over a period of three months. A shipment containing drugs, medical supplies and hygiene items will be distributed to the […]

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