Field activities
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) works in areas of Africa, the Americas, Australia, Asia, and Europe where it has found services inadequate to meet a population's medical needs. Today, almost 3,000 volunteer doctors, nurses other medical professionals, logistical experts, water and sanitation engineers and administrators work closely with more than 25,000 locally hired staff to provide medical aid in over 70 countries.
Frequently, one of the following four situations has led to MSF's involvement:
Wars and Conflicts:
When conflicts erupt, MSF immediately sends teams of surgeons, anesthetists, operating room nurses and logisticians into the field with the necessary equipment to establish operating rooms and clinics, provide basic public hygiene assistance and begin training local medical and support staff. In cases of prolonged conflict, the team may provide primary care, nutrition services, and epidemic control to the local population and those displaced by the fighting. Projects in conflict zones are complex and are often complicated by security problems and primitive living conditions
Refugees and Displaced People:
The last 30 years have seen an explosion in the world's refugee population. These people have been forced to flee their homes due to armed conflicts and food emergencies. Many are now destitute and dependent on the care of the international community. MSF works with other non-governmental organizations, local health authorities, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in refugee camps to provide primary health care, epidemic control, immunizations, nutrition, clean water, and effective sanitation systems.
Natural or Man-made Disasters:
Speed is critical to a successful intervention following a natural disaster. MSF has tested and stored pre-packaged medical and technical kits in its warehouses and is able to immediately dispatch them to devastated areas. At the disaster site, MSF treats and distributes clean drinking water and provides medical care and supplies. If necessary, experienced water and sanitation engineers and logisticians are sent to provide technical assistance.
Long-Term Assistance:
In countries with collapsed or insufficient health care systems, MSF works with the local authorities, generally through the Ministry of Health, to rehabilitate hospitals and dispensaries, establish rural clinics, vaccination and drug management programs, and train local staff. In these situations, MSF's goal is to help build a stable and self-sufficient local health care structure.
Africa
Asia
Americas
Europe and Middle East
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