Volunteer “Pool of Experts” for Emergency Relief

Malteser International has set itself the goal of being able to provide rapid and comprehensive humanitarian aid to those affected by (natural) disasters worldwide. For this purpose, we have established the "Pool of Experts" with trained and experienced volunteers who are regularly sent to the crisis and disaster regions of the world. From setting up a water treatment plant to coordinating a refugee camp to providing acute medical care in an emergency ambulance, these teams make an irreplaceable contribution to people in need.

The Pool of Experts is one of Malteser International’s key tools to respond to international disasters and deliver humanitarian assistance to people rapidly and effectively.  In case of a disaster, like an earthquake or tsunami, PoE members are usually deployed within the first 72 hours and remain in the affected country for approximately two weeks.

There are several deployment options: Logisticians could be deployed to facilitate the shipment of relief goods into a country. Nurses or doctors might work alongside national hospital staff and provide on-the-job training.

During a deployment, we always work closely with the affected population, and coordinate with local authorities and international bodies such as the United Nations. We work to empower affected people in their efforts to mobilize resources and assist their peers and themselves.