A research midwife at the University of Oxford, Alessandra Morelli, has received an award from the King in recognition of her humanitarian work in flood-hit Libya.
Morelli was deployed to Libya by the frontline medical aid charity UK-Med in the aftermath of the Storm Daniel, which hit the country in September 2023 and killed over 3,000 people. There, Morelli trained Libyan midwives in the city of Derna, where the storm had hit particularly hard and caused severe flooding.
Morelli is a researcher at Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, where she is currently working on a project that aims to reduce complications for women who are pregnant or giving birth. She had previously worked with UK-Med in response to the two earthquakes in southern Turkey in February 2023.
The new award, which recognises extraordinary service in response to humanitarian emergencies, was presented at Buckingham Palace on 25th February. At this event, Morelli and 13 other frontline medical responders were given Humanitarian Medals in recognition of their work.
Morelli told Cherwell: “Being one of the first recipients of this award came as a huge surprise. It’s truly an honour to receive this recognition, but more than anything, it’s a reminder of the resilience and courage of the people we try to help. I hope that this award will put humanitarian work in the spotlight, drawing more attention to the urgent need for resources, policy changes, and global support for those affected by crises.”
Beyond Libya, UK-Med is also providing critical medical support in Gaza and Ukraine, staffing hospitals, performing surgeries, and training local staff.
When asked what drives her to pursue such difficult work in extreme conditions, Ms Morelli told Cherwell: “The people we help are my greatest source of inspiration. Seeing their strength and determination, even in the face of crisis, fuels my commitment.”
David Wightwick, CEO of UK-Med, said: “These dedicated professionals have put their expertise to work in the most extreme conditions imaginable.
“Their commitment to saving lives, often at great personal risk, is a testament to the values of humanitarianism and medical excellence.”
When speaking to Cherwell, Ms Morelli outlined her plans for the future, intending to continue providing emergency healthcare internationally as and when it is needed, stating: “This is not just a job–it’s a lifelong mission.”
