1,658 people rescued in busiest day ever for MSF search and rescue operations

“Yesterday was a day of big numbers for MSF’s search and rescue operations, but for our teams at sea the focus is always on the individuals,” said Lindis Hurum, MSF Emergency Coordinator on the Bourbon Argos. Project Update - 3 Sep 2015

Tunisia

Fishermen receive training in saving lives at sea

“Tragedies at sea will continue to regularly occur as people are desperate to flee to Europe” says Wiet Vandormael, MSF’s training coordinator “Search and rescue helps save lives but is not a long-term solution. The European Union needs to create safe and legal ways for people to reach Europe so that they don’t have to risk their lives during the journey.” Project Update - 1 Sep 2015

Tunisia

Testimonies from fishermen receiving training in saving lives at sea

In order to increase the fishermen’s capacity to carry out rescues at sea, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has carried out a six-day training with 116 local fishermen in the town of Zarzis. Voices from the Field - 31 Aug 2015

Refugees, IDPs and people on the move

Refugees in Kos stuck in appalling conditions

Between January and July this year, 18,600 refugees arrived on the Greek island Kos by boat from Turkey. The majority are fleeing war and violence in Syria, but many also come from Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and Pakistan. Project Update - 26 Aug 2015

Syria

MSF treats patients with symptoms of exposure to chemical agents

"The patients’ clinical symptoms, the way these symptoms changed over time, and the patients’ testimony about the circumstances of the poisoning all point to exposure to a chemical agent,” Pablo Marco, MSF’s programme manager in Syria. Press Release - 25 Aug 2015

Greece

MSF receives 10 people with wounds from Macedonian stun grenades

"The violence used by the FYROM authorities against these harmless and vulnerable people is outrageous and should immediately stop” said Aurelie Ponthieu, MSF’s Humanitarian Advisor on Displacement. “The shocking scenes today are a result of extreme measures to prevent desperate people fleeing violence and war from crossing borders. But closing borders and using violence is not a solution, it is just provoking a humanitarian crisis on the other side." Project Update - 21 Aug 2015

Yemen

At least 65 civilians killed in coalition airstrikes and heavy fighting in Taiz

“At least 65 civilians in the province of Taiz, Yemen have been killed in Saudi led air strikes today, including 17 people from one family,” says Salah Dongu’du, MSF's Project Coordinator, about the current situation in Taiz, Yemen. “The deaths occurred when the strikes hit civilian homes in the area. Those who survived the bombings are searching through the rubble with their bare hands in the hope of finding survivors, as well as the bodies of victims of the attack. Many others are believed to have been injured or killed in the past week in air strikes, shelling and fighting in densely populated areas." Statement - 21 Aug 2015

Niger

Influx of Nigerian refugees in the Diffa region continues

"The families fled Nigeria in May, leaving everything behind while Boko Haram reduced their village to ashes. The refugees are now entirely dependent on humanitarian aid. While they have quickly built huts, and some have received plastic tarpaulins and other essential supplies, most do not have access to drinking water, and the hygiene conditions are appalling," says Ahmad Samro, MSF's Project Manager, about the situation in Diffa. Voices from the Field - 20 Aug 2015

Cameroun - MSF activities for people displaced by Boko Haram attacks

Cameroon

Tens of thousands flee Boko Haram violence

Tens of thousands of people in northern Cameroon are in need of humanitarian aid after fleeing attacks by Boko Haram in neighbouring Nigeria.“Boko Haram burned our house and took all our cows and belongings,” says Samuel, from Nigeria. “They kidnapped my wife and two of my children and held them in one of their jails. My wife managed to escape and is trying to join me in Minawao, but I don’t have any news of my children. I don’t even know if they are still alive.” Project Update - 20 Aug 2015

Medical and mental healthcare for people displaced by violence in the Lake Chad area.

Lake Chad Crisis

Lake Chad: Populations fleeing Boko Haram violence

Since May 2013, violent insurgencies by Boko Haram have led to widespread displacement and an escalating humanitarian crisis in the Lake Chad region. According to UNHCR figures, nearly 1.4 million people have been internally displaced in northeast Nigeria alone, and approximately 170,000 people have fled to neighbouring Cameroon (56,000), Chad (14,000) and Niger (100,000). At least 1,300 people have died so far this year. Crisis Update - 20 Aug 2015

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

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We provide medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. Our teams are made up of tens of thousands of health professionals, logistic and administrative staff - most of them hired locally. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of independence and impartiality. We are a non-profit, self-governed, member-based organisation.

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