Hiding Behind Health

In 2010, MSF vaccinated 5.8 million people for measles and meningitis alone. The alleged actions of the CIA in the case of Pakistan cast a shadow over these legitimate and life-saving medical acts. Whenever medical activities are used as a tool of war, it hampers our ability to provide assistance—and patients will no longer dare to seek the healthcare they need. Project Update - 20 Jul 2011

Somalia

In Helmand, treating diseases before they become deadly

Gunshot wounds and bomb blasts are not the only life-threatening consequences of war in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province. Diseases and conditions such as diarrhea and respiratory tract infections can go untreated and become deadly. In MSF’s new outpatient department in Boost Hospital, staff are able to focus on these cases and the challenges they bring. Project Update - 18 Jul 2011

Papua New Guinea

Returning to Bougainville's neglected south after a decade-long absence

MSF is currently the only international NGO based permanently in this remote southern region of Bougainville. The state of care for pregnant women will be one of the biggest priorities for MSF in Buin. In May, for example, approximately one in four pregnant women was classified as an emergency case. Project Update - 14 Jul 2011

South Sudan

As South Sudan enters independence, the long-standing humanitarian emergency continues

The heightened hostility between both sides and violent attacks by the North in contested border areas [Abyei, South Kordofan, and similar patterns of violence on the border between South Darfur and Western Bahr El Ghazal] is making media headlines In the lead-up to the South’s independence from the North. However, other violence has also claimed lives and displaced people this year, but has rarely made it into the news. Voices from the Field - 12 Jul 2011

Pakistan

Despite increased support, limited access prevents the scope of MSF intervention in Kurram Agency, Pakistan

For several years now, the limitation of access to Kurram for our international staff, including medical specialists, is limiting our intervention. The support provided by MSF in Kurram could be extended, replicated to other hospitals and to other FATA agencies, if access restrictions to these areas were lessened. Project Update - 8 Jul 2011

Libya

'As war goes on, people's needs are growing'

“All kinds of people who have never worked in a hospital before are working in medical facilities and caring for others: trying to re-open medical structures or to help with nursing care. A dentist has been working in an emergency department, while an accountant has been sweeping floors. But how long can they hold on? They are constantly working, and they sometimes fall asleep the moment there are no emergency cases.” Voices from the Field - 5 Jul 2011

Libya

Trapped in transit: the neglected victims of the war in Libya

As fighting continues to force civilians out of Libya, the international medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) calls the countries engaged in this war for a stronger humanitarian response and more effective protection for the people who are fleeing the conflict. Press Release - 30 Jun 2011

Libya

MSF condemns any initiative that would send boat people back to Libya

MSF condemns the terms of the bilateral agreement signed on June 17 between Italy and the Libyan National Transition Councill intended to provide mutual aid and cooperation in the struggle against illegal immigration, specifically by repatriating illegal immigrants. Press Release - 23 Jun 2011

Libya

After three-month siege in Libya, trauma surgery and training dominate MSF activities

MSF has begun working with Libyan medical teams at the advanced medical posts set up close to the front lines to stabilize the wounded before transferring them to a hospital... During lunch breaks, one MSF surgeon, using a USB stick containing extensive information and videos, demonstrated how he had provided initial trauma management and organize surgical treatment to an audience of approximately 40 Kasr Ahmed hospital staff, including surgeons, doctors, anesthetists and medical students. Project Update - 23 Jun 2011

Central African Republic

Outside humanitarian spotlight, Central African Republic is dogged by conflict

In Central African Republic, one million people are estimated to be affected by the ongoing violence. Particularly since 2008, families have been repeatedly displaced from their villages, forced to flee into the bush, where they remain trapped and unable to return to their homes, with little access any medical care. Project Update - 15 Jun 2011

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

Independent medical humanitarian assistance

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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Hiding Behind Health

In Helmand, treating diseases before they become deadly

Returning to Bougainville's neglected south after a decade-long absence

As South Sudan enters independence, the long-standing humanitarian emergency continues

Despite increased support, limited access prevents the scope of MSF intervention in Kurram Agency, Pakistan

'As war goes on, people's needs are growing'

Trapped in transit: the neglected victims of the war in Libya

MSF condemns any initiative that would send boat people back to Libya

After three-month siege in Libya, trauma surgery and training dominate MSF activities

Outside humanitarian spotlight, Central African Republic is dogged by conflict

Independent medical humanitarian assistance

79%

79%

16%

16%

5%

5%