The Sovereign Order of Malta is an institution with two identities. On one side it is an order of the Catholic Church, established in 1113, and on the other it is an entity governed by international law that maintains diplomatic relationships with 112 states and the EU. It is not a member of the UN but has Permanent Observer status. The Order of Malta is neutral, impartial and apolitical.  

     The Sovereign Order of Malta has been active in 120 counties throughout the world. It provides a helping hand to those in need through the provision of healthcare, social, and humanitarian projects. The order operates a number of hospitals, healthcare centres, schools and institutions that provide professional assistance. The priority of the order is the protection of human dignity and the provision of assistance to those in need, regardless of their nationality, race or religion. 

     The charitable projects run by the Order of Malta in Slovakia are organised by Malteser Aid Slovakia. More than 120 trained volunteers participate and its permanent projects provide assistance to the elderly, handicapped and homeless people as well as to refugees. 

Therefore, the postage stamp, released to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relationships between Slovakia and the Sovereign Order of Malta, was inspired by the self-sacrifice of the volunteers who provided assistance after the outbreak of war in the Ukraine. Volunteers from Malteser Aid Slovakia arrived at the Slovak-Ukrainian border crossing in Vyšné Nemecké as early as the second day of the Russian attack. More than 200 volunteers provided healthcare, social and psychological aid 24/7 for several months.  

     The assistance provided to those affected by the conflict includes more than 130t of humanitarian supplies for the Ukraine, accommodation facilities for 160 Ukrainian mothers and their children, the distribution of food vouchers to hundreds of Ukrainian pensioners and handicapped people, and integration activities to help Ukrainian pensioners.

Maltézska pomoc Slovensko o.z., Simona Blaškovičová