Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders, is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization founded in 1971 in Paris, France. It is known for delivering emergency medical aid to people affected by:

• Armed conflict

• Epidemics and disease outbreaks

• Natural and man-made disasters

• Healthcare exclusion or neglect

Core Principles:

MSF operates based on these principles:

• Neutrality: Not taking sides in conflicts

• Impartiality: Treating people based solely on need

• Independence: Operating free from political, economic, or religious influence

• Bearing witness: Speaking out against injustice when needed

Global Reach:

MSF works in over 70 countries, including crisis zones like Syria, Yemen, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. For example, in Tanzania, MSF provides healthcare to Burundian refugees and responds to diseases like malaria and measles.

Services Provided:

• Emergency surgeries

• Maternal care

• Mental health services

• Treatment of infectious diseases (e.g., HIV, TB, Ebola, COVID-19)

• Vaccination campaigns

Staff and Volunteers:

MSF is powered by over 45,000 professionals, including:

• Doctors

• Nurses

• Logistic experts

• Administrators

They often work in challenging conditions and rotate on short-term missions.

Funding:

MSF is funded mainly by private donors, which helps maintain its independence. Over 90% of funding comes from individual contributions.

Recognition:

• Nobel Peace Prize (1999) for pioneering humanitarian aid in conflict zones.