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COOPERATIVE SOCIAL EMERGENCY TRANSPORT POBIC

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December 5

POBIC and Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria embark on a new collaboration

POBIC and the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria Launch a New Partnership The Italian foundation POBIC met with the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria to launch a cooperation project dedicated to people with Down syndrome. The Italian foundation POBIC recently met with representatives of the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria at the Nigerian organization’s headquarters in Lagos. The meeting marks the start of a new international partnership in the field of support for people with Down syndrome.   The Situation Regarding Down Syndrome in Nigeria According to epidemiological studies, the incidence of Down syndrome in Nigeria is 1 case per 865 live births. These data come from research conducted over a 9-year period in Nigerian hospitals. Cytogenetic analysis of 386 patients showed that 95.5% of cases are due to regular trisomy 21. However, experts emphasize that the actual figures may be higher. Most births in Nigeria take place in non-conventional settings such as churches and traditional facilities that do not keep records. Furthermore, many cases go unreported for statistical purposes due to traditional beliefs that associate congenital malformations with superstitions. Challenges in the Health and Social Care System Mrs. Rose Mordi, President of the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria, has identified two main issues: stigmatization and exclusion from the country’s health care support system. According to public interviews, many parents hide their children with Down syndrome due to shame or fear of discrimination. The Nigerian healthcare system has significant limitations in providing care for people with Down syndrome. Many children are born with congenital heart defects that require corrective surgery. She stated that sending a patient abroad for heart surgery can cost over 10 million naira, an amount that is unaffordable for most Nigerian families. Challenges that limit early diagnosis and the collection of accurate data include: Limited healthcare facilities offering prenatal screening services; a shortage of professional healthcare workers; weak data management and registration systems; and fears, misconceptions, or beliefs about testing and disability High costs and transportation issues Limited access to education and services People with Down syndrome in Nigeria face difficulties in accessing inclusive education. The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria operates a residential support center where it provides specialized education to children. According to Mrs. Rose Mordi, integration into mainstream schools remains problematic due to persistent stigma.   The organization has highlighted that stigmatization manifests itself through cultural prejudices, social exclusion, and, in some cases, religious discrimination. In some rural Nigerian communities, intellectual disabilities are still perceived as misfortunes or divine punishments. The Legal Framework According to the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria, people with Down syndrome in Nigeria are generally not recognized as legal persons, which means that their legal capacity can be revoked simply because they have Down syndrome.  Although laws exist that nominally prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities, enforcement of these laws remains weak or largely unnoticed. The Role of the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria was founded in 2001 as a non-governmental, apolitical, and nonprofit organization. The organization operates through affiliations with Down Syndrome International, Inclusion International, the African Down Syndrome Network, and the Africa Disability Forum.   The foundation provides support to people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities, creating a community that includes parents, guardians, caregivers, and other stakeholders. Services include educational programs, therapies, and public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma.   In recent years, the organization has formed partnerships with entities such as the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) to expand access to healthcare, and with Cummins West Africa Ltd. for projects aimed at empowering people with disabilities. POBIC’s Experience in Africa The POBIC Foundation is an Italian NGO with many years of experience in healthcare projects in Africa. The foundation has carried out missions in Nigeria, Uganda, and Ghana, focusing primarily on cardiac surgery through its “Open Heart” projects.   POBIC’s activities in Nigeria date back at least to 2015, when the organization conducted training sessions on cardiopulmonary resuscitation for doctors at the Federal Medical Center in Yenagoa. In the past, POBIC has facilitated surgical procedures for Nigerian children at Italian hospitals such as the Gaslini Hospital in Genoa. The New Partnership The meeting between POBIC and the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria marks the beginning of a cooperative project designed to integrate POBIC’s medical expertise and international networks with the Down Syndrome Foundation’s local experience and knowledge of the Nigerian context.   The operational details of the collaboration are currently being finalized, but the stated goal is to improve access to specialized medical care for people with Down syndrome in Nigeria, with a particular focus on congenital heart conditions that frequently affect this population.   Future Outlook According to experts, life expectancy for people with Down syndrome in Africa is beginning to rise thanks to improvements in access to healthcare. This makes the need to develop adequate and sustainable support systems increasingly urgent. The identified priority areas for action include: Improving access to quality healthcare Early diagnosis and treatment Inclusive education Awareness programs for healthcare providers, educators, and the general public Strengthening protection and inclusion policies The collaboration between POBIC and the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria is part of this effort, with the goal of contributing to the development of a more accessible and inclusive care model for people with Down syndrome in Nigeria. THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT, WE SAVE THE LIVES OF DOZENS OF CHILDREN EVERY YEAR. HELP US DO EVEN MORE. Countries 0 Children operated on 0 Children examined 0 +

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October 19

New Hope for Pearl: A Ugandan Girl’s Journey Thanks to the Open Heart Pobic Project​

New Hope for Pearl: A Ugandan Girl’s Journey Thanks to the Open Heart Pobic Project​ The Open Heart Pobic Project continues to give a voice and a future to children with severe heart conditions in the world’s most vulnerable communities. This is the story of Nyamata Shamairah Pearl, a Ugandan girl just over two years old, whose life was profoundly changed—and saved—by a surgical procedure made possible by international solidarity. From the Ugandan countryside to Italy: the beginning of the journey Pearl was born on May 23, 2023, in the Kabarole District of western Uganda. Her parents, Davis and Neelam, live in a rural village in the Bunyangabu district, where her father works in agriculture and runs a small business, while her mother cares for Pearl full-time. The baby’s first few months of life seemed normal. But by around eight months of age, her parents began to notice worrying signs: shortness of breath after playing, an irregular heartbeat, and episodes of weakness. Despite initial reassuring consultations at local health centers, it wasn’t until early 2025 that Pearl was referred to the Uganda Heart Institute, where an echocardiogram led to the definitive diagnosis: Type 2C tricuspid atresia, a rare and complex congenital heart defect that could not be treated locally. Pobic’s Intervention In this situation, the Open Heart Pobic project was able to intervene promptly. Thanks to a referral from the local network and a recommendation from the Ugandan Ministry of Health, Pobic took charge of organizing the girl’s transfer to Italy, specifically to the Gaslini Children’s Hospital in Genoa. In collaboration with the Flying Angels association and with the support of local and institutional partners, the entire treatment process was arranged: from the medical visa to the flights, from her arrival to her admission to the hospital. The Surgery and Critical Moments Pearl’s first surgery was performed on September 3, 2025. The postoperative period was complex: the little girl experienced critical moments in the intensive care unit, including a cardiac arrest and another round of resuscitation. The medical teams at Gaslini managed the situation with the utmost care, maintaining constant communication with the Pobic staff. Between CT scans, specialized tests, and invasive procedures such as catheterization, her progress was monitored with extreme care. Pearl’s mother, Neelam, remained by her side throughout her hospital stay, receiving logistical and psychological support thanks to the network established by Pobic in the local area. The First Signs of Recovery After intense weeks, the most eagerly awaited news arrived in mid-October: Pearl was extubated and began responding positively to treatment. The photos and videos shared by the medical staff show a girl who is exhausted but alert, and finally able to hold her mother’s hand again. Healthcare staff confirmed that her clinical condition, while still delicate, is improving. The family’s return tickets were also rebooked to accommodate the new post-operative schedule. A Concrete Example of International Cooperation Pearl’s story is about much more than a single medical case. It exemplifies how a network of international solidarity can work: from the early identification of a need, to the mobilization of medical, logistical, and institutional resources, all the way to providing tangible, human support to the families involved. Thanks to the Open Heart Pobic project, Pearl now has a new chance at life. Her story is also a call to continue supporting this effort, so that more and more children can receive the care they deserve, regardless of where they are born. How to contribute: The Open Heart Pobic project is supported exclusively by donations, partner organizations, and fundraising initiatives. A long-distance sponsorship program for Pearl is also currently being launched, through which you can support her during her recovery and follow-up cardiac care in the coming months. THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT, WE SAVE THE LIVES OF DOZENS OF CHILDREN EVERY YEAR. HELP US DO EVEN MORE. Countries 0 Children operated on 0 Children examined 0 +

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October 19

On Mission to Accra: Towards a Research Protocol on Rheumatic Disease in Ghana

On a Mission to Accra: Toward a Research Protocol on Rheumatic Heart Disease in Ghana From September 14 to 18, 2025, Ada Caraffini, Director of Operations for the Pobic Association, took part in a mission to Ghana, along with cardiologist Davide Morolla. The goal of the trip was to begin work on developing a research protocol on the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in children, with a specific focus on the 3- to 15-year-old age group, which is most affected by this condition. During the mission, Pobic collaborated with the Cardiothoracic Teaching Hospital in Accra—one of the country’s leading referral centers—alongside pediatric cardiologist Prof. Nana-Akyaa Tao and Dr. Innocenti Adzamil, professionals who have been dedicated for years to the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cardiovascular diseases. Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Preventable but Still Widespread Condition Rheumatic heart disease is a chronic condition that develops following acute rheumatic fever, generally triggered by a Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection (such as untreated pharyngitis or tonsillitis). If not treated promptly, the inflammation can cause permanent damage to the heart valves, leading to serious complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and the risk of premature death.   This condition primarily affects children and adolescents in settings where access to timely medical care is limited. According to the World Health Organization, more than 39 million people worldwide live with rheumatic heart disease, with the greatest burden concentrated in low- and middle-income countries. Why Ghana, specifically? Ghana is among the African countries where rheumatic fever continues to have a significant impact on pediatric health.Numerous local studies confirm a high incidence among school-aged children, exacerbated by factors such as limited access to primary health care services, poor availability of timely antibiotic treatment, and socioeconomic and environmental conditions that contribute to the spread of untreated respiratory infections. In this context, the development of a targeted research protocol represents a fundamental first step toward collecting reliable data, understanding the true extent of the phenomenon, and designing evidence-based health interventions in the future. One Step at a Time The development of a protocol agreed upon with Ghanaian clinical and institutional partners will enable Pobic to: strengthen cooperation with the local healthcare system, contribute to the epidemiological understanding of a disease that is all too often neglected, and lay the groundwork for possible future developments, in line with the association’s international mission. As Ada Caraffini herself emphasized in her mission report, this is an important first step, but one that must be taken with care, attentiveness, and collaboration. Pobic will continue to document the progress of this project, sharing updates and reflections with its community and partners.   Follow our social media channels so you don’t miss the latest updates from Ghana and our other missions around the world. THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT, WE SAVE THE LIVES OF DOZENS OF CHILDREN EVERY YEAR. HELP US DO EVEN MORE. Countries 0 Children operated on 0 Children examined 0 +

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July 14

Pobic at the “Ukraine Recovery” Conference in Rome: renewed commitment to Ukraine's reconstruction

Pobic at the “Ukraine Recovery” Conference in Rome: Renewed Commitment to Ukraine’s Reconstruction On July 10 and 11, 2025, the fourth edition of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025) took place in Rome, an international event organized by the governments of Italy and Ukraine to strengthen global cooperation in the reconstruction of Ukraine, which has been ravaged by more than three years of war. Held at the “La Nuvola” Rome Convention Center, the conference was attended by over 100 government delegations, 40 international organizations, and thousands of representatives from the economic and social sectors. The central objective: to transform declarations of support into concrete actions, with a particular focus on the country’s human, economic, and institutional resilience. The URC2025 program was structured around four strategic pillars:   The URC2025 program was structured around four strategic pillars: Business: revitalizing the economy through private investment and support for local businesses. Human capital: addressing social needs, mental health, the reintegration of refugees, and the protection of minors. Local government and regions: strengthening the administrative capacity and autonomy of local authorities. European path: accelerating Ukraine’s integration into the European Union. Significant financial commitments were announced during the event. The European Union presented a support package worth 2.3 billion euros, with the goal of mobilizing up to 10 billion through guarantees, grants, and new financial instruments. Among the new initiatives is a European investment fund aimed at Ukraine’s industrial revitalization and green transition. Diplomacy, Security, and Global Engagement Numerous international leaders attended the opening session, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and other prominent political figures from the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, and France. Among the topics discussed was the creation of a multinational force to stabilize the country once a ceasefire is reached, involving some thirty countries. Pobic’s Role: Concrete and Lasting Solidarity Pobic also took part in the conference, represented by its president, attorney Paolo Novellini; vice president Festus Adedayo; and chief operating officer Ada Caraffini. The NGO has been active in Ukraine for over twenty years, carrying out humanitarian projects ranging from healthcare support to assistance for vulnerable families, children, and rural communities affected by the war. Pobic’s participation in URC2025 reinforces its commitment to the Ukrainian people. The organization will continue to work in collaboration with local and international entities to provide tangible support in rebuilding the social and civil fabric. Its fieldwork will align with the conference’s objectives, promoting inclusive, sustainable, and human rights-based approaches. Pobic: Where the Need Is Greatest Today more than ever, Ukraine’s reconstruction cannot be merely a geopolitical issue: it is a collective responsibility, an act of solidarity toward millions of people who aspire to a dignified future. Pobic will be there, with expertise and compassion, every step of the way. THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT, WE SAVE THE LIVES OF DOZENS OF CHILDREN EVERY YEAR. HELP US DO EVEN MORE. Countries 0 Children operated on 0 Children examined 0 +

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July 9

Accra's National Cardiothoracic Centre unites against RHD in Ghana

Pobic and the National Cardiothoracic Center in Accra Join Forces Against RHD in Ghana Pobic NGO and the National Cardiothoracic Center in Accra (Ghana) signed a three-year international collaboration agreement on June 30 with the goal of combating rheumatic heart disease (RHD) among Ghanaian children. With an estimated 40 million cases worldwide and 300,000 deaths each year—primarily in low- and middle-income countries—RHD is a preventable but often neglected disease. The new partnership combines Pobic’s expertise in accessing and managing European and Italian funds with the clinical expertise of the Accra Center to create a replicable model for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. What the agreement entails Epidemiological mapping: launching a study to assess the actual prevalence of RHD in Ghana’s most vulnerable areas. Widespread awareness-raising: distributing educational materials to schools, families, and communities to enable early recognition of streptococcal symptoms, the trigger for the disease. Enhancing diagnostics: providing throat swabs and other screening tools to local health centers, along with training for healthcare workers and technicians. Strengthening treatment: supporting the implementation of treatment protocols and an antibiotic prophylaxis program to halt the progression of the disease. Shared governance: establishing a task force and a joint Management Committee to coordinate operations, fundraising, and transparent reporting. We believe that only by working side by side with local communities and professionals can we eradicate a disease that, until recently, seemed an inevitable fate for far too many children,” Paolo Novellini, Esq., President of POBIC NGO Why It’s Important Early Intervention: Identifying and promptly treating streptococcal infections drastically reduces the risk of damage to heart valves, preventing long-term disability. Local Training and Capacity Building: Building local expertise means leaving behind sustainable “know-how” even after the agreement expires. Access to New Resources: With POBIC as the lead applicant, the project will be able to draw on European and Italian public and private funding, expanding its operational capacity in Ghana. This agreement reaffirms Pobic’s commitment to promoting health and dignity in the most underserved communities, thanks to collaboration with local institutions and the sharing of international best practices. THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT, WE SAVE THE LIVES OF DOZENS OF CHILDREN EVERY YEAR. HELP US DO EVEN MORE. Countries 0 Children operated on 0 Children examined 0 +

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July 3

Emergency Transport: Ukraine: silent escalation, evident emergency.

Emergency Transport: Why Now, More Than Ever, We Need to Support Pobic’s Emergency Transport People continue to die in Ukraine, even though the news no longer reports it. In recent days, Ukraine has been hit by the most massive wave of Russian attacks since the start of the conflict: between June 29 and July 3, hundreds of drones and missiles struck civilian infrastructure, hospitals, populated areas, and emergency response sites. In Odesa, Kryvyi Rih, Poltava, and the Kherson region, the raids have claimed civilian lives, including children. In Kyiv and Lviv, there have been power outages, casualties, and a healthcare system under strain. All of this is happening amid the silence of the European summer. And as the media frenzy subsides, the concrete need for stable, structured, and continuous aid grows. A war that is changing its face but remains cruel. The intensification of the bombings and Ukraine’s intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention—in order to resume the use of landmines—signal an escalating spiral of conflict: militarily, ethically, and humanitarily. Thousands of civilians risk being trapped in besieged territories. Evacuation routes are narrowing. And ambulances often become targets rather than instruments of salvation. Pobic’s Emergency Transport: a concrete, quiet, yet vital response. Since 2014, Pobic has been active in Ukraine with humanitarian interventions that have spanned all phases of the conflict, from the invasion of Crimea to the current crisis. We have done so consistently, never letting the engines of solidarity falter. Among the most urgent and indispensable projects today is Emergency Transport: a network of emergency medical transport for children, the wounded, the chronically ill, and vulnerable people. Coordinated by local and international volunteers, it operates in high-risk areas. It is essential for ensuring rapid evacuations, transport to hospitals that are still functioning, and targeted deliveries of medicines. In a context where ambulances are deliberately targeted and bombings are on the rise, securing equipped vehicles, fuel, personnel, and maintenance has become an act of human resistance. What can you do today? Today, more than ever, the escalation of the conflict demands immediate responses. Pobic is there. But we need your help to: Fund new mobile rescue units. Ensure driving shifts and transportation on increasingly dangerous routes. Strengthen the emergency logistics and healthcare network. EMERGENCY TRANSPORT Our strength lies in bringing hope on four wheels. Donate a “little piece” of an ambulance: together, we can get the next vehicle on the road before winter 2025. A dedicated campaign is live on the Pobic website; just €25 is enough to provide an on-board first-aid kit, and €100 to replenish the oxygen supply. Every contribution brings those fleeing closer to timely rescue. DONATE NOW

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June 8

Competition Thoughts and Colors: When Solidarity is Colored with Creativity

"Thoughts and Colors" Contest: When Solidarity Takes on the Colors of Creativity Four schools, hundreds of young artists, one big heart. The POBIC contest concluded with an extraordinary celebration of solidarity. When POBIC launched the “Pensieri e Colori” contest during the 2024–2025 school year, the idea was as simple as it was powerful: to ask children to imagine what a T-shirt expressing solidarity, mutual aid, and the joy of being together would look like. It was a way to bring together art, education, and the values that have guided the association in Italy and around the world for over thirty years. The response was overwhelming.   Four Schools, One Shared Challenge From the province of Verona to that of Cremona, four schools enthusiastically took up the challenge: Solinas Elementary School in Verona, Brazzuoli Elementary School in Pozzaglio, Vescovato Elementary School, and Castelvetro Elementary School. Four different schools, united by a desire to get involved and to express, through colors and shapes, what it means to help others.   The children drew inspiration from the stories told in class, from fairy tales, and from their own personal emotions. They drew hearts embracing the world, hands clasped together, rainbows connecting continents, and smiles that transcend all borders. Each piece was a small masterpiece of purity and hope. A Journey of Creativity and Anticipation After the submission deadline in March, the most exciting phase began: online voting. Families, friends, teachers, grandparents—everyone participated, sharing the drawings on social media and cheering on the young artists. POBIC’s social media channels were filled with color and messages of encouragement. For weeks, the excitement grew.   The three best drawings from each school were selected, and finally, on May 30 and 31, 2026, it was time for the big celebration at the Zanzarina d’Oro in Calvatone. There, a jury of experts had the difficult task of choosing the winners from among extraordinary works, each one capable of moving and inspiring reflection. The Solidarity Podium At the end of an emotionally charged ceremony, the winners were announced: First Place – Solinas Elementary School, VeronaAn explosion of colors and symbols that captured the essence of POBIC’s mission: every child in the world deserves care, love, and a future. The winning drawing will be printed on the official POBIC 2026 T-shirt, worn by the association’s volunteers in Italy and abroad. The school will also receive a prize of 1,000 euros to be used for educational projects.   Second Place – Brazzuoli Elementary School, PozzaglioA work that moved viewers with its delicacy and depth, simply conveying the value of friendship and mutual support.   Third Place – Vescovato Elementary School: A creation brimming with energy and optimism that won over both the jury and the audience with its freshness and universal message of hope.   Everyone Is a Winner But while the podium has its stars, the real victory was a collective one. Every child who participated helped spread a powerful message: solidarity can be colorful, joyful, and contagious. They learned that even a simple drawing can make a difference, can bring people together across distances, and can save lives.   Because that is exactly what POBIC has been doing for over thirty years: saving lives. Through the Open Heart program, it has performed free surgeries on more than 50 children with heart conditions in Nigeria and Uganda. Through Emergency Transport, it has donated ambulances and trained healthcare personnel in Africa and Ukraine. In 2024 alone, it helped 2,200 displaced families in Ukraine and provided medical care to 200 children in Uganda.   All of this is possible thanks to those who believe in solidarity. And this year, thanks also to the young artists from Verona, Pozzaglio, Vescovato, and Castelvetro, who have shown that change begins with a blank sheet of paper and lots and lots of imagination.   What’s Next? The winning T-shirt will be worn with pride by POBIC volunteers on their upcoming international missions. A symbol that will travel from Italy to Africa, carrying with it the message that Italian children want to send to children around the world: you are not alone. We care for you.   And who knows—maybe among these young artists is already the next doctor, the next volunteer, the next person who will dedicate their life to helping others. Because, as POBIC says: “If each of us decided, in our own small way, to do something for others every day, the world would be a much more beautiful place.” And these children have already started. THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT, WE SAVE THE LIVES OF DOZENS OF CHILDREN EVERY YEAR. HELP US DO EVEN MORE. Countries 0 Children operated on 0 Children examined 0 +

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June 8

Morocco: The importance of the Berber language in education

Morocco: The Importance of the Berber Language in Education – The government’s plan to promote Amazigh in schools goes hand in hand with its recognition. As the number of students learning Amazigh—the official name of the Berber language—grows, Morocco is consolidating a process that began over twenty years ago to fully recognize the language as an integral part of the national identity. Today, 40% of public schools teach Amazigh, with over 650,000 students enrolled and nearly 2,000 teachers trained.   The Ministry of Education aims to train 3,000 teachers within the next few years, with the goal of expanding instruction to all schools across the country. A Commitment with a Solid Foundation The increase in the number of dedicated teachers—from 200 in 2021 to 1,850 in 2024—is the result of an institutional commitment that has a solid legal foundation. Article 5 of the 2011 Constitution recognizes Amazigh as an official language of the state, defining it as “the common heritage of all Moroccans without exception.”    This decision reflects not only a cultural vision but also a social need: in Berber communities, speaking one’s own language at school means having access to a more equitable education and to basic services that are truly understandable. And the importance is not limited to the language. The importance of the language is also reflected in the healthcare sector. In many inland areas of the country, where a lack of medical facilities and information particularly disadvantages women, the use of Amazigh can make a difference in understanding preventive health messages.    It was from this awareness that Pobic’s commitment took shape, with a project specifically aimed at Berber women. Activities have included awareness-raising sessions on women’s health, education on the prevention of communicable and chronic diseases, and promotion of access to basic checkups and prenatal care.    Intervening in these contexts is not just a health issue: it means strengthening women’s roles in the community and contributing—through active listening and language—to structural and lasting change. Find out how you can help Pobic in its mission.

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May 19

Uganda and the long shadow of Ebola: what makes it difficult to eradicate?

Uganda and the Long Shadow of Ebola: What Makes It So Hard to Eradicate? In the heart of East Africa, the virus continues to pose a latent threat. Despite successes in containing the outbreak, the country’s structural and health system vulnerabilities remain significant.   In late April 2025, the Ugandan Ministry of Health announced the end of the latest Ebola outbreak. This milestone was reached after 42 days without new infections, as certified by the World Health Organization. But behind the optimism lies a complex reality: that of a country forced to live with an invisible enemy that resurfaces cyclically, in ways that are always unpredictable. Recent Reports on Ebola in Uganda The most recent outbreak, which erupted in Kampala—a metropolis of four million people and a key hub for East Africa—affected 14 people: 12 confirmed cases and 2 probable cases. Four have died, and ten have recovered. Patient zero was a nurse who died shortly after contracting the disease, as reported by Al Jazeera’s website. The strain responsible is the Sudan virus, for which there is still no approved vaccine. In the absence of established treatments, protocols rely on isolation, contact tracing, and community-based surveillance. How many deaths? The 2025 outbreak was the ninth in the country since 2000. The country’s proximity to the Democratic Republic of the Congo—where an outbreak between 2018 and 2020 claimed over 2,200 lives—increases its exposure to risk. The tropical forests along the border are home to animal species considered natural reservoirs of the virus. But it is the socio-health conditions that make Ebola endemic: poor hygiene, hospitals with minimal equipment, and deep mistrust of vaccination campaigns hinder any structural efforts. What are the solutions to combat Ebola in Uganda? In response, clinical trials for a vaccine specifically targeting the Sudan virus are underway at the Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala. Health authorities are relying on the experience gained from over twenty years of epidemics to contain outbreaks. Unfortunately, according to experts, without a lasting strengthening of the hospital network in rural areas and a cultural shift in the perception of infectious diseases, the risk of new infections remains high. Pobic’s Fundamental Contribution It is precisely in these neglected areas that parallel interventions—spanning healthcare, development cooperation, and human rights—are taking place. A concrete example is the work we at Pobic have been carrying out for years in the western Rwenzori region. As early as 2016, we launched the Pobic for Women program, in collaboration with the Rena Foundation, to assist pregnant women lacking access to safe care. The year 2024 marked a significant milestone: the Open Heart Uganda mission enabled three children with severe heart conditions to be transferred to Italy to receive life-saving treatment. They are the first of 59 children who underwent screening. A humanitarian bridge between two worlds, made possible not only by solidarity but by a vision focused on systemic vulnerabilities that Ebola, time and again, continues to reveal. Find out how you can help Pobic in its mission in Uganda.

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May 5

Emergency Transport: Why a Pobic Ambulance Can Make the Difference in the Ukrainian Refugee Crisis

Emergency Transport: Why a Pobic Ambulance Can Make a Difference in the Ukrainian Displacement Crisis For three years, Ukraine has been experiencing forced displacement: nearly 5 million people are moving within the country to escape the bombings, only to try to return home when the front line retreats. Added to this are 6.36 million registered refugees in Europe—4.3 million of whom are under temporary protection in the EU—who are straining already saturated reception systems in Poland and Germany. The ’Commuting“ of Internally Displaced Persons According to the IOM, 37 % of the displaced report having changed provinces more than once in the past year; many move back and forth between the western regions, considered safer, and their provinces of origin to check on their homes or work. This logistical instability makes mobile relief resources essential to reach communities whose composition changes from month to month. Funding Gaps The UN humanitarian plan for 2025 calls for $2.6 billion, but to date it covers only 20 % of the needs: U.S. cuts have caused funding to plummet by 83 % compared to 2024. As a result, the target number of people to be assisted has dropped from 6 to 4.8 million, leaving out millions of displaced people in hard-to-reach areas. The Strain of Hosting in Europe—Poland: nearly 1 million PESEL-UKR records are still active, with emergency shelters beginning to close due to a lack of funding. Germany: 1.25 million Ukrainian refugees—including 29 % minors—are putting pressure on local schools and health services. As social safety nets fray, the demand for medical transfers from border to border and to the most capable hospital hubs is growing. Pobic’s Vital Contribution Through the Emergency Transport program, Pobic retrieves decommissioned ambulances in Italy, refurbishes them, and sends them loaded with medical supplies.   A Symbolic Case — Nemirov, 2023 When a missile fragment destroyed the town’s only emergency vehicle, Pobic delivered a new ambulance, driven to the Donbas by the president of Pobic-Ukraine, Mikola Segeda. Traveling alongside the vehicle were first-aid kits, antibiotics, blankets, and warm clothing assembled by volunteers in Lombardy. Read the article here to learn more about the story. Every Pobic convoy departs with: Medications for surgical and emergency use (pain relievers, antibiotics, saline solution). First-aid kits for the rapid evacuation of injured civilians. Thermal blankets and winter clothing for those living in makeshift shelters or unheated basements. Clothing, non-perishable food, and toys for children. Our Goals for 2025 Expand the fleet: the minimum goal is to donate three more ambulances to the municipalities of Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Mykolaïv, where vehicles are most frequently targeted. Train local staff: 48-hour modules on triage and in-ambulance emergency care for Ukrainian nurses. Long-distance support: continue the program launched in 2010 at the Nemirov orphanage, ensuring monthly supplies of clothing and educational toys. Why Every Ambulance Counts Right Now Addressing displacement: A fully equipped vehicle can follow displaced people as they move, providing care where hospitals are no longer accessible. It fills budget gaps: as UN funds dwindle, a fully stocked ambulance is worth an average of €85,000, covering a gap that international agencies can no longer finance. It relieves the burden on host countries: reducing untreated injuries at the border means fewer costly hospitalizations in Berlin or Warsaw. EMERGENCY TRANSPORT Our strength lies in bringing hope on four wheels. Donate a ”little piece” of an ambulance: together we can get the next vehicle on the road before winter 2025. A dedicated campaign is live on the Pobic website; just €25 is enough to provide a first-aid kit on board, and €100 to restock the oxygen supply. Every contribution brings those fleeing closer to timely medical assistance. DONATE NOW

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