Msf

Historical Background

MSF was founded on 20 December 1971 out of the exasperation of a group of French doctors who worked in desperate conditions in the Biafra War (1967-1970). They were determined to create a movement to deliver independent humanitarian aid wherever it was needed, and particularly one that would speak out about the plight of the victims it helped.

As a private nonprofit association, MSF is an international network with sections in 19 countries. Each year, near 3,000 volunteer doctors, nurses, other medical professionals, logistics experts, water/sanitation engineers and administrators are sent to different parts of the world to provide medical aid. In 1999, MSF was awarded the international Nobel Peace Prize "in recognition of the organisation's pioneering humanitarian work on several continents." The award honours the work of MSF relief workers who bring medical assistance to vulnerable populations.

Responding to Emergencies

MSF is often one of the first humanitarian organisations to arrive at the scene of an emergency. Its large-scale logistical capacity ensures that MSF emergency teams hit the ground with the specialised medical kits and equipment they need to start saving lives immediately.

Custom-designed by MSF for specific field situations, geographic conditions and climates, a kit may contain a complete operating room, for example, or all of the supplies needed to treat hundreds of cholera patients. MSF kits and medical protocols have been replicated by relief organisations worldwide.

MSF has proven expertise in the field of epidemiology and is often called on to monitor, diagnose and control outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, meningitis and measles.

Independent Humanitarian Action

MSF's decision to intervene in any country or crisis is based solely on an independent assessment of people's needs, – not on political, economic, or religious interests. MSF does not take sides or intervene according to the demands of governments or warring parties.

MSF volunteers frequently work in remote or dangerous parts of the world. When crises unfold, they make themselves and their skills available on short notice, usually dedicating six to twelve months to each assignment. MSF teams are composed of international volunteers and skilled local staff. Together, they work closely with national medical professionals and cooperate with other aid organisations.

Témoignage

MSF unites direct medical care with a commitment to speaking out against the causes of suffering and the obstacles to providing effective assistance. MSF volunteers raise the concerns of their patients with governments, the United Nations, other international bodies, the general public, and the media. In a wide range of circumstances, MSF volunteers have spoken out against violations of international humanitarian law they have witnessed.

Based on its field experience, MSF is addressing obstacles preventing people in the developing world from obtaining affordable, effective treatments for diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. Through its Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines, MSF is advocating to lower drug prices, stimulate research and development of new treatments, and overcome trade and other barriers to accessing treatments.

Financial Independence

To ensure its operational independence, an important part of MSF's funding for projects comes from donations from the public. Financial support is also given by corporations, foundations, some governments and international agencies. The MSF international network collectively strives to direct at least 80 per cent of its expenditures to programme activities.

Links