Inside the Order of Malta's Worldwide Humanitarian Network

Estonia’s Role in a Global Humanitarian Network

By this moment, the Order of Malta has been active in Estonia for almost two years. During this time, we have engaged over 170 volunteers and participated in numerous local projects. However, this is just a small fragment of the organisation’s full capacity and global reach. Below, we aim to give a better understanding of the true size of the Order of Malta and how far our aid network actually extends.

If we look countries culturally close to us like Germany and Austria, they are represented by their volunteers across Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin and South America, and the Middle East – in other words, worldwide. And these are just two countries. In total, the Order has diplomatic relations with 120 countries, creating a powerful network that literally spans every corner of the world.

Humanitarian Aid in Crisis Regions

At the end of March this year (2025), a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand. By the end of first week of April, more than 3000 people had been killed and over even more injured. The destruction was devastating, especially in the city of Sagaing in Myanmar. Due to the ongoing civil war and the lack of a stable government, the country is led by a military junta that strictly controls information channels. It was therefore extraordinary for the dictatorial government to appeal to the outside world for help – a sign of the gravity of the situation. The Order of Malta's humanitarian organisation, Malteser International, has been active in Myanmar for years and responded immediately. In cooperation with local rescuers and other aid organisations, every effort was made to mitigate the disaster's consequences.

Let us take another example from further away from Estonia. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the heart of the African continent, is rich in natural resources. Yet, it remains one of the world’s poorest countries, plagued by wars, political tensions, and famine. Almost non-existent healthcare services have resulted in high mortality rates and a low life expectancy. The average life expectancy in the country is under 60 years, while, for comparsion, in Estonia, it is 78 years. Malteser International helps develop healthcare services in Congo, ensures food and water supplies, and promotes education and other projects. The organisation has been active in the country since 1996, and during this time, the situation has indeed improved.

Humanitarian Assistance by the Order of Malta

Naturally, the Order’s volunteers have also been involved in helping victims of conflict in the Middle East, primarily those from Gaza today and, previously, from war-torn Syria. Malteser volunteers do not operate directly in war zones, as it would be too dangerous, and the Order of Malta does not want to put its people at risk. However, from a safe distance, they assist people forced to flee their homes, mainly women and children. As Gaza’s hospitals struggle under the burden and often lack adequate medical equipment, not everyone receives medical care, or it is insufficient. The primary tasks of Malteser are setting up mobile hospitals and providing healthcare supplies, while volunteers with relevant expertise train local support staff.

Finally, Ukraine. In cooperation with Ukrainian Maltesers and partner organisations, support is provided to people caught in the horrors of war, primarily refugees, offering psychological and social assistance. The aim is also to improve the country’s healthcare system with the best available resources. Last winter (2024–2025) was particularly harsh for Ukraine. Systematic attacks on energy infrastructure by the Russians left many households in the cold and dark. Even before the last winter, an estimated 60% of the country’s entire energy infrastructure had been damaged. Many homes had shattered windows and doors due to explosions and missile strikes, while Ukrainian winters are harsh. People have had to live in such conditions for days, weeks, and even months. The Order of Malta’s winter kits, which include blankets, thermoses, warm clothing, and food, have at least helped make the situation somewhat more bearable.

Psychological and emotional support, which has been provided for ten years – as the war began back in 2014 with the occupation of Crimea – is no less important. The mental health trauma caused by the war will not end with the cessation of hostilities, and experts say it will need to be addressed for another five to ten years after the war ends. The Order is also looking to the future – the time will come when Ukraine will need to be rebuilt. The Order of Malta’s strategy already takes this into account, and Maltesers are prepared to get involved in reconstruction work as soon as the opportunity arises.

Conclusion

In summary, the Order of Malta is a major humanitarian force worldwide. It is our mission, our calling, and our duty to help people, no matter which part of the world they are in or how difficult the circumstances. So far, Estonian volunteers have had one international opportunity – dealing with the aftermath of floods in Poland. Considering how recently the Order expanded here, this is a positive development. Whether and which global large-scale projects will be available to keen Estonian volunteers in the future remains to be seen.