01 Dec 2011
About MSF
Tags: Info
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare. MSF offers assistance to people based on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.
MSF is an independent, self-governed organisation. Its actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of neutrality and impartiality. MSF reserves the right to speak out to bring attention to neglected crises, to challenge inadequacies or abuse of the aid system, and to advocate for improved medical treatments and protocols.
History
MSF is a non-profit organisation that was founded in Paris, France in 1971. Its principles of action are described in the organisation's founding charter, which established a framework for its activities.
Today, MSF is a worldwide movement of 23 associations. Its international office is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
The work of MSF is carried out by thousands of health professionals, logistical and administrative staff. The vast majority of MSF staff come from the countries where the organisation provides medical assistance. Together, they manage projects in more than 60 countries worldwide.
Humanitarian Action
MSF's work is based on the humanitarian principles of medical ethics and impartiality. The organisation is committed to bringing quality medical care to people caught in crisis regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation.
MSF operates independently of any political, military, or religious agendas. Medical teams conduct evaluations on the ground to determine a population's medical needs before opening programs. The key to MSF’s ability to act independently in response to a crisis is its independent funding. More than ninety percent of MSF's overall funding comes from private sources, not governments.
MSF is neutral. The organisation does not take sides in armed conflicts, provides care on the basis of need alone, and pushes for increased independent access to victims of conflict as required under international humanitarian law.
Bearing Witness and Speaking Out
At times, MSF may speak out publicly in an effort to bring a forgotten crisis to public attention, to alert the public to abuses occurring beyond the headlines, to criticize the inadequacies of the aid system, or to challenge the diversion of humanitarian aid for political interests.
MSF medical teams on the ground are in constant dialogue with local authorities, warring parties, and other aid agencies in an attempt to ensure the best possible medical care for patients and their communities and to reinforce the organisation's operational independence.
Quality Medical Care
MSF rejects the idea that poor countries deserve third-rate medical care and strives to provide high-quality care to patients and to improve the organisation's practices. In 1999, when MSF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the organisation announced the money would go towards raising awareness of and fighting against neglected diseases.
Through the Access Campaign, and in partnership with the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, this work has helped lower the price of HIV/AIDS treatment and has stimulated research and development for medicines to treat malaria and neglected diseases like sleeping sickness and kala azar.
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