Compassion Without Borders: The Order of Malta Responds to Earthquake Devastation in Myanmar
In the early hours of March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake shook central Myanmar, devastating cities including Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyidaw, and triggering aftershocks that rippled into neighboring Thailand and even parts of China. With more than 10 million people affected and thousands of lives already lost or upended, the humanitarian crisis has only just begun.
The Order of Malta Steps In
Within hours of the earthquake, Malteser International—the global relief agency of the Order of Malta—activated emergency protocols. Local teams in Myanmar, who have been embedded in the region since 1996, immediately began assessing damage and distributing life-saving aid, including food, clothing, hygiene kits, and shelter materials. Reinforcements from Malteser International headquarters in Cologne were deployed by March 29, working closely with institutional donors and international partners to coordinate relief efforts.
This is not a new mission for the Order. For nearly three decades, the Order of Malta has been serving vulnerable communities across Myanmar and Thailand through healthcare, disaster risk reduction, and refugee support programs. From tuberculosis treatment and malaria prevention to mental health counseling and agricultural livelihood training, the Order’s deep roots and trusted partnerships in the region have made their response swift and effective.
A Legacy of Service in Myanmar and Beyond
With more than 180 staff members already working on the ground in Myanmar, the Order was uniquely positioned to act fast. Long before this disaster, Malteser International had been offering comprehensive care—supporting everything from maternal health to water and sanitation access. On the Thai-Myanmar border, two refugee camps shelter approximately 20,000 people, where the Order has provided essential services since 1993.
“This disaster will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable people. Many of them have been dealing daily with the effects of conflict and displacement for decades. During that time, the Order of Malta has not left their side, and we will keep on supporting them throughout this difficult period.”
The Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California: A Local Link to a Global Mission
While our Clinic in Oakland serves uninsured patients in Northern California, we are part of a larger humanitarian tradition that spans continents and centuries. The response in Myanmar reminds us that our mission—to care for the sick and the poor—is not limited by borders. It is this enduring spirit of compassion that unites all branches of the Order, from California to Southeast Asia.
We invite our community to join us in supporting this critical relief effort.
To make a donation directly to Malteser International, please visit: orderofmaltarelief.org/donate-now.
Because whether in Myanmar or Oakland, our work is grounded in the same belief: That dignity, care, and compassion are universal rights.