Order of Malta's Top Official Arrives in Kenya to Review Refugee Healthcare at Kakuma Camp
Kakuma, 22 February 2026
The Grand Chancellor of the ancient Order of Malta has launched a five-day mission to Kenya, focusing on maternal health services at Kakuma refugee camp where thousands from South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Democratic Republic of Congo seek sanctuary. This high-level diplomatic visit underscores the Order’s expanding humanitarian reach across Africa, potentially leading to enhanced healthcare delivery for vulnerable refugee families through its partnership with Malteser International.
Grand Chancellor’s Strategic Mission to East Africa
Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, the Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, has arrived in Kenya for a five-day official visit that commenced on Sunday, 22 February 2026 [1]. This visit represents a significant expansion of the Order’s humanitarian and diplomatic engagement in East Africa, with particular emphasis on reviewing healthcare projects at refugee settlements. The timing of this high-level mission underscores the Order’s commitment to addressing critical healthcare gaps in one of the world’s largest refugee hosting regions.
Kakuma Camp: A Critical Healthcare Challenge
The review focuses specifically on maternal and child health services at Kakuma refugee camp, where refugees from South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Democratic Republic of Congo have sought sanctuary [GPT]. The assessment will examine the partnership between the Order of Malta and Malteser International, which serves as the Order’s international relief agency providing emergency aid [1]. This collaboration has been working to improve healthcare delivery systems for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations, with maternal health remaining a critical priority given the elevated risks faced by refugee women during pregnancy and childbirth.
Order of Malta’s Global Healthcare Network
The Order of Malta operates an extensive global healthcare infrastructure, active in over 130 countries with 13,500 members, 100,000 volunteers, and 60,000 medical personnel [1]. The organisation manages hospitals, clinics, and care centres worldwide, operating under its foundational mission ‘to bear witness to the faith and assist the poor and sick’ [1]. This vast network includes specialised facilities such as the only hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit in Bethlehem, demonstrating the Order’s commitment to maternal and child health services in conflict-affected regions [1].
Diplomatic Standing and International Partnerships
The Order of Malta maintains bilateral diplomatic relations with 115 states and holds Permanent Observer status at the United Nations, positioning it uniquely to bridge humanitarian work with diplomatic engagement [1]. Since 1834, the Order’s government has been based in Rome, with Fra’ John T. Dunlap serving as the 81st Grand Master [1]. The organisation describes itself as ‘neutral, impartial and apolitical’, enabling it to operate effectively across diverse political landscapes whilst maintaining its humanitarian focus [1]. This diplomatic standing provides crucial leverage for negotiating access and resources for healthcare programmes in challenging environments like refugee camps.