The Orange Trust Prepares for the first pilot Sahara Deployment 2026

The Orange Trust’s North Africa (NA) team gathered this week to set the direction for our upcoming programmes across the Sahara. The meeting brought together medical professionals, researchers, media specialists, and core volunteers from both the UK and North Africa to plan our next steps.

NA Deployment Meeting - 28/09/2025

Key Outcomes from the Meeting:

• First Pilot Deployment Confirmed: Our next pilot will take place in January 2026 in the central Sahara, Algeria. A team of 7–8 medics will run multiple free pop-up clinics directly in the desert, offering check-ups, screenings, and health education to underserved communities.

• Annual Winter Deployments: The Sahara outreach will continue on a yearly basis during the January–February window, ensuring consistent healthcare and education support for remote communities.

• Research at the Core: Alongside clinical care, a dedicated research team will prepare briefing packs before deployments and gather vital data during missions. This will help us better understand local health challenges, cultural practices, and service gaps, while shaping future projects.

• Women’s Health & Education: A special focus will be placed on women’s health initiatives and local education projects, including supporting schools and orphan centres with materials, teaching volunteers, and infrastructure.

• Sustainability First: The team reaffirmed a commitment to sustainable investment—prioritising long-term solutions like schools and community projects over short-term aid alone.

  
  

This meeting marks an exciting step forward in our mission to bring accessible healthcare and education to some of the most remote communities in North Africa. With a committed team and a clear plan, The Orange Trust is preparing to launch its first desert-based pilot early next year, laying the foundation for a lasting impact in the Sahara.