The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released its annual “Caring for Those in Need” report, outlining the Church’s humanitarian work, welfare programs and volunteer service provided worldwide during the past year. The report highlights billions of dollars in assistance, thousands of humanitarian projects and millions of volunteer hours dedicated to helping communities around the globe.
According to the report, the Church provided US$1.58 billion in humanitarian assistance, supporting people in 196 countries and territories through disaster response, food aid, health initiatives, education programs and self-reliance services. In total, 3,514 humanitarian projects were carried out during the year, and members of the Church contributed 7.4 million hours of volunteer service.
In a message included in the report, the Church’s First Presidency emphasized that humanitarian service is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“As The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we seek to follow Him by ministering to the sick, feeding the hungry, and comforting the afflicted,” the First Presidency wrote. “Ours is a ministry of great joy to all of God’s children.”
Global Focus on Relief, Health and Self-Reliance
The report also highlights major initiatives benefiting women and children worldwide. Through partnerships with global and local organizations, the Church supported prenatal care, childhood nutrition and vaccination programs that have improved health outcomes in vulnerable communities.
“When we care for women and children through nutrition, maternal and newborn care, immunizations and education, we are investing in a healthier and more hopeful future,” said Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President of the Church.
Humanitarian Projects in Papua New Guinea
The report also references several humanitarian initiatives that have benefited communities across Papua New Guinea, where the Church continues to work with local partners to address education, health and infrastructure challenges.
In the remote village of Gavuone, the Church provided solar-powered study lights to students and their families. Youth volunteers assembled the lights in Port Moresby before delivering them to students at Gavuone Primary School. In communities without reliable electricity, the lights allow students to continue studying after sunset, improving educational opportunities for children and their families.
Mum’s Preschool, a Church-led early childhood program, provides a safe, nurturing environment where young children can learn, play and develop important social and educational skills. The initiative supports developmental learning through creative activities, storytelling, music and hands-on exploration, helping children build confidence and curiosity as they prepare for primary school.
In Rigo District, projects sponsored by the Church have boosted healthcare services for rural communities by providing important medical equipment and diagnostic technology to local health facilities. McKenzie Kupo, health manager for the Rigo District, said donations of medical equipment and diagnostic technology have been transformative. “It means everything to have a fully functional laboratory and diagnostic equipment to save lives,” he said, noting that portable X-ray technology provided through the Church’s initiative is already helping detect diseases such as tuberculosis in rural areas.
A Longstanding Commitment to Humanitarian Service
The Church’s organized welfare program began in 1936, and its international humanitarian initiative was formally expanded in 1984. Today, the Church works with governments, nonprofit organizations and community groups worldwide to provide assistance regardless of religion, nationality or background.
Through ongoing partnerships and volunteer efforts, the Church continues to expand programs that provide relief during crises and support long-term development for communities around the world.
Learn more about the ‘Caring for Those in Need’ report at the Church’s official Newsroom.