By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The international volunteer platform “Volunteers of Peace” has unveiled an ambitious set of humanitarian programs for Africa and BRICS countries, following a high-profile press conference held on 4 December at the TASS Press Centre in Moscow. The event, themed: “Russia–Africa: Cooperation in Healthcare and Humanitarian Volunteering,” brought together diplomats, medical experts, parliamentarians and international development partners to highlight ongoing initiatives and outline new missions for 2026.
A major announcement was the rollout of the International Humanitarian Medical Mission to Sierra Leone, scheduled for 6–26 December 2025 and led by renowned Russian medical expert Dr. Ekaterina Glock. The 13-member team, ten of whom are specialist doctors, will focus on reducing maternal and newborn mortality, one of Sierra Leone’s most pressing health challenges.
Dr. Ekaterina Glock emphasized that the mission goes beyond short-term humanitarian assistance, noting that their previous expeditions to Cameroon, Uganda, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have built lasting professional partnerships.
“Over two years, our doctors have worked in extremely difficult conditions, saving lives and training 409 medical specialists,” she said. “We have treated 439 patients and delivered medical and humanitarian aid worth over 5 million rubles. Our work is designed to create long-term systemic impact.”
The Sierra Leone mission will include obstetrician-gynecologists, a neonatologist, an anesthesiologist, a dentist, rehabilitation experts and midwives. Equipment and essential medical devices will be provided to strengthen maternal and child health services in local hospitals.
According to Dr. Ekaterina Glock, neonatology remains one of the most underserved areas across Africa. “The shortage of qualified personnel and modern technology is severe. Obstetrics, gynecology and oncology are also critical areas where lifesaving interventions are urgently needed.”
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Russia, Mohamed Yongawo, expressed strong appreciation for the initiative, stating that the country is fully prepared for the team’s arrival. He said the mission would support a wide range of specialties including oncology, dentistry and pediatrics, reinforcing long-term Sierra Leone–Russia cooperation.
Guinea’s Ambassador to Russia, Nyankoye Aba, confirmed that the humanitarian medical mission originally planned for December 2025 has been rescheduled to the first half of 2026 due to the presidential elections. He explained that the extra preparation time will ensure greater efficiency and a more comprehensive program.
“This mission will become a major step in deepening Guinea–Russia cooperation in healthcare,” he noted.
A core focus of the TASS discussion was the growing impact of the “Volunteers of Peace” platform; an international network linking volunteer organizations from Russia, Africa, BRICS nations and other regions. The platform supports humanitarian initiatives, medical missions and volunteer hubs, ensuring that assistance is both systematic and responsive to local needs.
Speaking online from India, where one of the platform’s new hubs is emerging, Nikolay Tolpinsky, Head of the “Volunteers of Peace,” outlined three key areas of work:
- Coordinating humanitarian initiatives across countries
- Developing volunteer hubs with permanent local teams
- Delivering rapid-response humanitarian missions during crises
The platform already operates a major base in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, supporting refugee and vulnerable children with education and psychological assistance. Additional hubs are functioning in Kenya and India, with plans to expand into Indonesia, Rwanda and Brazil in 2026.
Among the most anticipated announcements was a new BRICS-wide program on supporting children suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, to be implemented under the framework of “Volunteers of Peace” beginning in 2026. The initiative follows its endorsement at the 2nd BRICS Traditional Values Forum in Brazil.
The program will include joint missions to Ethiopia and Donbass as well as exchanges among psychologists, educators, youth groups and social workers across BRICS countries.
Member of the Russian State Duma, Dmitry Kuznetsov, underscored that the platform’s work represents a powerful form of humanitarian diplomacy.
“You are overcoming evil with good,” he said. “By training others and supporting fragile communities, you are contributing to peacebuilding, conflict prevention and the restoration of lives.”
Additional support came from Tapiwa Kamuruko, Head of Analysis and Research at the United Nations Volunteers (UNV), who highlighted the potential of the platform to strengthen volunteer engagement in Africa, particularly in expanding access to healthcare and education.
Established in 2024 by the World Christian Parliamentary Association, “Volunteers of Peace” has rapidly become a leading global platform for humanitarian action. The organization has already trained around 500 African doctors, equipped hospitals with modern tools and mobilized support from parliamentarians, embassies, grant foundations and private companies.
More information on the organization and its projects can be found at VolunteersOfPeace.org.
