Photo: Hans Jurgen Burkard

When conflicts erupt, MSF immediately sends teams of doctors, surgeons, anaesthetists, specialized nurses and logisticians into the field with the necessary equipment to establish operating rooms and clinics, provide essential health care and train local medical and support staff. Nutrition services and epidemic control programmes are often an essential part of MSF’s life-saving services provided to people trapped in conflict or displaced by the fighting. Read more...

Photo: Reuters/Reuters TV

In natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, a speedy response is vital. Over the years MSF has developed medical and technical kits that allow emergency teams to set up hospitals and clinics and safe water supplies within a matter of hours or days. Read more. (link to Natural disaster theme page)

Photo: Henrik Glette/MSF

The last 30 years have seen an explosion in the number of people forced to flee their homes. Many are destitute and dependent on outside assistance. MSF works with other non-governmental organizations, local health authorities, and the United Nations agencies in refugee camps and other locations of displaced people, to provide primary health care, epidemic control, immunizations, nutrition, clean water, and effective sanitation systems. Read more...

MSF believes that everyone has the right to basic medical care. In countries with collapsed or chronically disrupted health care systems, MSF works with the local authorities to rehabilitate hospital and clinic services. MSF also works in developed countries if there is a particularly marginalized group, for example street children, prisoners, or illegal migrants, who do not get medical support.