In 2024, MOAS celebrated our 10th anniversary, marking a decade of impactful humanitarian efforts. Since our inception in 2014, MOAS has saved over 200,000 lives across various global crises, from sea rescues in the Mediterranean and Aegean sea, to providing aid in conflict zones like Sudan, Yemen, Somalia and Ukraine. This milestone reflects our commitment to alleviating suffering in the world’s most challenging regions. To commemorate this significant achievement, in 2024 MOAS launched several initiatives, including a dedicated anniversary landing page, a special logo, and a heartfelt birthday video that showcased the progress and resilience of the organization over the past decade.
One of the most exciting projects for the 10th anniversary was the release of “Ten Years of Heroes – The MOAS Chronicles,” a beautifully illustrated comic book that highlights the incredible journey of MOAS. The comic book takes readers through some of our key missions, such as the life-saving sea rescues, the relief efforts in Bangladesh during the Rohingya crisis, and the medical interventions in war-torn Ukraine. The book features art inspired by real-life events, with renowned artists Mark Scicluna, Ian Richardson, and Julian Mallia bringing these stories to life.
Presented at the Malta Comic Con in November, the comic book was met with enthusiasm. Attendees of the event received a free copy, and original artworks from the comic book were also made available for purchase, with proceeds supporting MOAS’s ongoing missions.
Ukraine
In 2024, MOAS continued its vital mission in Ukraine, focusing on evacuating critically injured soldiers from the frontlines and providing life-saving medical care. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, MOAS has evacuated over 63,000 patients using a fleet of 50 ambulances and a team of 150 Ukrainian doctors, nurses, and drivers. In addition, the Mobile Medical Unit (MMU), in collaboration with RMHC Latvia, has treated 25,897 people since its inception in areas where healthcare had been cut off. However, after much success, this partnership will conclude at the end of the year, marking the end of the MMU project.
A major highlight of 2024 was the launch of Sirens of Hope: The MOAS Mission to Save Lives in Ukraine, a book that chronicles the heroic work of MOAS’s Ukrainian medical team. The book was promoted through a series of powerful events aimed at raising awareness about the ongoing conflict and the organization’s impact. In February, a team from MOAS, including medic Yuriy Soroka, embarked on a UK tour, where they met with ministers, parliamentarians, and the Mayor of London. Yuriy shared the reality of the medical frontline in Ukraine, highlighting the critical need for international support. The UK tour was followed by a similar event in New York in March, where Yuriy and other MOAS representatives met with donors and supporters at the Ukrainian Institute of America.
In May, Christopher Catrambone, MOAS Founder, was awarded the Cross of Honor by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence for his significant contributions to medical assistance during the conflict. Catrambone also received the Cross for Assistance to the Medical Forces from the Command of the Medical Forces of Ukraine, further acknowledging his and the team’s life-saving efforts.
In June 2024, MOAS medics in Kyiv reunited with Lieutenant Oleksandr “Biker” Voznyi, a soldier they saved after he was critically injured in combat. Oleksandr, who had sustained devastating injuries in combat, was kept alive through MOAS’s swift and skilled intervention. His gratitude was evident as he thanked the medics who saved him.
Also in June, the MOAS team from Malta visited Ukraine to see the operations firsthand. The team had the chance to meet the local staff who carry out medical evacuations and provide critical care under extreme conditions. Christina Lejman, Director of Operations and Fundraising, shared, “The kindness and humility of the staff deeply moved me. They give 150% every day, with no expectation of recognition.” Read more about their impressions here.
In August, one of MOAS’s frontline bases in eastern Ukraine was struck by a Russian attack, narrowly missing the 19 medics and personnel inside. The blast caused significant damage, including a fire that destroyed critical medical equipment, as well as damaged two of MOAS’s ambulances. All staff sought safety in the shelter and only sustained minor injuries from flying debris. This marked the first time MOAS was directly hit during its 2.5 years of operations near the frontline.
Following the airstrike on our base, a MOAS delegation met with Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg. Borg expressed solidarity with our team and emphasised Malta’s support for humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
MOAS’s life-saving mission in Ukraine is facing potential collapse as funding nears exhaustion. With 150 medics, 50 ambulances, and around 2500 evacuations monthly, the operation costs $1 million per month. “We’re in talks with donors, but if we stop, it will be a catastrophe,” said MOAS Founder Christopher Catrambone. “No other NGO can do what we do on the frontlines.”
Humanitarian Aid Deliveries
MOAS continued its vital humanitarian aid deliveries in 2024, supporting communities in Sudan and Somalia in partnership with Edesia, ADRA, Action Medeor and UNHCR. Since 2019, we’ve been providing nutritional and medical aid to some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. In June, MOAS shipped nutritional aid in the form of 850 cartons of Plumpy’ Nut and 825 cartons of Plumpy’ Sup to Somalia, which helped hundreds of children recover from malnutrition. Distribution began in August and out of all children treated, over 99% recovered.
In response to the devastating conflict that erupted in April 2023, MOAS initiated a two-pronged aid delivery strategy for Sudan.
In late 2023, we shipped 52 tons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), distributed in 2024 with the support of ADRA. This shipment provided treatment for approximately 5,300 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Reports from the field show a 92% recovery rate for severe cases and 100% recovery for moderate cases.
In July 2024, we also delivered medical aid in the shape of 48 Basic Interagency Emergency Health Kits (IEHK) and 7 Supplementary Medicine Modules to Sudan. These supplies were distributed to communities along conflict lines and in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, providing essential healthcare to over 100.000 people.
In May, MOAS Director of Operations and Fundraising Christina Lejman visited Edesia’s facility in Rhode Island, New York. A key partner since 2019, Edesia produces therapeutic food that MOAS has distributed to vulnerable populations in Yemen, Somalia, and Sudan. Christina toured the facility, observing the production of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food and meeting Edesia’s team, including Founder and CEO Navyn Salem. The visit reinforced our partnership and commitment to addressing malnutrition in crisis zones.
Supporting Earthquake Survivors in Turkey
In response to the 2023 earthquake that left thousands displaced in Turkey and Syria, MOAS completed a project this year at Aslani Camp in Turkey, in partnership with Malteser International. Hygiene kits were distributed to 352 Syrian refugee households, including essential items like women’s dignity kits and cleaning supplies.
Special priority was given to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and pregnant women, while the camp management team ensured smooth logistics and timely distribution.
Malta
In March, MOAS inaugurated the “Learning and Information Centre” at the Hal Far Hangar Open Centre (HOC) in collaboration with the Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers (AWAS). This space empowers migrants in Malta with access to technology, educational resources, and skill-building opportunities. Equipped with computers, tablets, and books, it supports activities like CV writing, online courses, and essential services, while also hosting training sessions to aid integration and independence.
The opening featured a mural workshop led by Barcelona-based artist Josep Herrera Ossó (Pep Walls) through The Swedish Doing Good Association, emphasising unity and environmental consciousness. MOAS thanks the Al Madad Foundation and Heidi Ruggier of Matte PR for funding the initiative and to all partners involved.
This year MOAS also continued with providing English lessons to migrants in Malta.
This summer, in response to Malta’s intense heatwave, MOAS donated 250 reusable water bottles to residents in migrant centres, complementing newly installed water fountains by AWAS. This initiative helps asylum seekers stay hydrated during extreme temperatures while reducing single-use plastic waste, aligning with MOAS’s commitment to sustainability and community support.
In September MOAS donated a batch of jackets and in December, we spread holiday cheer by donating 206 panettones, which are Italian Christmas cakes, to these same residents.
In 2024, MOAS also collaborated with the University of Malta’s Faculty for the Built Environment on a project to reimagine Hal Far Tent Village (HTV), Malta’s largest migrant reception centre. Architecture students developed innovative designs to create welcoming, functional spaces supporting refugee integration and dignity. MOAS shared its expertise to guide the students’ human-centred approach, resulting in creative solutions like culturally sensitive kitchens and adaptable interiors. Impressively, some participants have continued refining their designs, aiming to present a master plan for potential implementation.
MOAS proudly participated in Refugee Week, a global initiative celebrating the resilience and contributions of refugees. Our team joined the March for Peace, advocating for solidarity and compassion for displaced communities worldwide. Additionally, we took part in Spark Fest, where we shared insights into our humanitarian work
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Initiatives
In 2024, MOAS continued its Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) work, mitigating risks related to fire and water hazards in informal settlements. Through ongoing technical training and partnerships, MOAS equips volunteers in refugee and host communities with the skills and tools needed to prevent disaster and respond to emergencies effectively.
In January, a significant fire swept through Camp 5 in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, burning nearly 7,000 shelters and displacing thousands of residents. Thanks to MOAS-trained Disaster Management Units, which included 348 volunteers, 12 firefighting tuk-tuks, and 18 mobile firefighting units, the impact of this fire was significantly mitigated and there were no casualties.
Key insights from this initiative were shared during the “From Field to Framework” conference held at the Valletta Design Cluster in December 2024. This event brought together experts, practitioners, and policymakers and served as a platform for presenting preliminary research findings and fostering dialogue on best practices and future innovations. Albert Delia, Fundraising and Project Officer with MOAS, emphasised the report’s objective to inspire and guide future DRR initiatives across the humanitarian sector. Once completed, the publication will act as a practical resource for organisations seeking to enhance their emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
This project has been funded through the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV)
This project/publication reflects the views only of the author, and the MCVS cannot be held responsible for the content or any use which may be made of the information contained therein
European Solidarity Corps (ESC) Program
MOAS welcomed three new ESC volunteers in 2024: Carmen (Spain), Joana (Portugal), and Lucia (Italy), who joined our communications and fundraising teams. Their contributions are enhancing our humanitarian work globally from our HQ in Malta. MOAS received the European Solidarity Corps Grant Award during the EUPA ceremony in Malta, recognising our efforts in youth engagement. The event provided valuable insights into improving the visibility and impact of ESC projects.
Additionally, Francesca Pierpaoli, MOAS PR & Communication Manager, attended an ESC training in Cyprus to enhance strategies for managing volunteers. The training focused on overcoming challenges such as managing diverse teams, maintaining motivation, and simplifying administrative tasks. Key takeaways included structured mentorship, cultural competence, and using resources like the Salto-Youth portal.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Looking Ahead
As we close this remarkable year, MOAS remains steadfast in its mission to provide aid and hope to those in need. Our efforts are only possible thanks to the dedication of our teams, partners, and supporters. Together, we look forward to building on this year’s successes and continuing our life-saving work into the future.
Your support can make a difference. Please consider donating to help us continue our missions and save lives. Visit www.moas.eu/donate to contribute. For more updates on our work, follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, or contact us at [email protected].