When lives hang in the balance, collaboration is essential. At MOAS, we have seen firsthand that no single organisation possesses all the knowledge, resources, or reach required to address the world’s most complex humanitarian crises.
Our journey across the Mediterranean, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, and Malta has been defined by the strength and diversity of our partnerships. Together, we have saved lives, shared expertise, and built resilience in the world’s most vulnerable communities. Here’s how partnership have been shaping our work around the world
Why Partnerships Matter in Humanitarian Aid
- Pooling Expertise: No organisation has all the answers. By collaborating, we combine medical, logistical, and cultural knowledge to deliver more effective aid.
- Resource Sharing: Partnerships enable the sharing of vital resources like medical supplies, food, or staff, reaching more people, faster.
- Local Insight: Local partners possess a deep understanding of the communities, languages, and challenges present, ensuring our aid remains relevant and respectful.
- Wider reach: Collaboration enables us to access areas we couldn’t reach alone.
- Innovation: Collaborating with others enables us to explore new and improved methods of delivering aid.
Mediterranean and Aegean Sea: Life-saving Search and Rescue
MOAS began in the deadly waters of the Central Mediterranean. From 2014 to 2017, we were the first non-governmental search and rescue (SAR) group in the region, saving over 40,000 lives.
The support of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Emergency and the Italian Red Cross, supported by the International Federation of Red Cross was vital in our efforts. These partners provided critical medical care, psychosocial support, and emergency supplies to rescued migrants, setting a new standard for civil society SAR operations.
Bangladesh: Health and Disaster Preparedness with International and Local Partners
In 2017, as the Rohingya crisis unfolded, MOAS shifted focus to Bangladesh, where we established two primary healthcare clinics in Cox’s Bazar, treating over 90,000 patients and delivering more than 40 tons of humanitarian aid.
Our work here was strengthened by collaboration with local health authorities and UN agencies.
Between 2019 and 2024, we have trained thousands of Rohingya and Bangladeshi volunteers in flood and water safety, as well as fire safety, as part of a broader disaster risk reduction strategy.
These life-saving initiatives were made possible through close collaboration with the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP), Helvetas, IOM, and UNHCR.
By combining our expertise and resources with these trusted partners, we were able to equip local communities with the skills and tools they need to respond effectively to emergencies and build greater resilience for the future.
Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia: Food and Medicine to the Hardest-Hit Areas
Since 2019, MOAS has delivered over tonnes of therapeutic food to Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia, combatting malnutrition and famine in collaboration with ADRA Yemen, ADRA. Sudan, International Medical Corps (IMC) Somalia, Malteser Int., who help distribute the aid in the countries, and Edesia Nutrition who produces the therapeutic food in the United States.
Mohammed Bahashwan, ADRA’s Director of USG Programs and Partnerships in Yemen, described the impact of our mission in the country:
“It’s because of the support of MOAS that ADRA was able to ensure a sustained source of therapeutic food. The supply chain in Yemen is very weak and challenged by the security situation, so having this access and support from MOAS for our interventions is a great driver of much more impactful programming.”
In Sudan, the ongoing conflict and widespread displacement have created a critical need for medical assistance. We have therefore also provided medical aid in the form of health kits, which include medicines, medical equipment and more, to the country. Action Medeor provided the kits, and UNHCR distributed them within Sudan, stating:
“Your generous donation is making a significant difference, especially since resources are scarce, and the procurement of medical equipment and medications is severely hindered by the ongoing crisis and logistical challenges”.
Further Partnerships
We also work with amazing partners for our projects in Malta, as well as our mission in Ukraine, where we save hundreds of critically injured patients from the frontline every week. Read our previous blogs on Malta and Ukraine to learn more.
A Model of Global Solidarity
Our partnerships go beyond fieldwork. We also work with foundations, companies, and public donors to keep our mission going.
Every partnership shows that humanitarian aid works best when organisations combine their strengths, share knowledge and move towards a common goal. Every life saved, every community supported and every emergency response starts with collective action.
At MOAS, we will continue to champion the value of partnership because together, we can reach further, respond faster and bring hope where it is needed most.
If you’re interested in supporting MOAS’ efforts or learning more about our ongoing projects, follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter below, or contact us at [email protected]. To support our mission directly, please consider donating to www.moas.eu/donate.