Survivors of boat collapse off Lampedusa coast receive medical and psychological care

One young Somali who survived the shipwreck said: I received injuries to the face when the boat took on water…. I know how to swim, but two other passengers were holding on to me so as not to drown…. It was a struggle to survive.” Project Update - 12 Apr 2011

Italy

MSF claims sanitary conditions in Lampedusa, Italy, below humanitarian standards

“The poor sanitary conditions could lead to the spread of infectious diseases. There needs to be better reception conditions and access to care in the centres where migrants are being transferred,” said Dr. Barbara Maccagno, medical officer in charge of MSF projects in Italy. Statement - 1 Apr 2011

War and conflict

Support to health facilities in the Middle East and North Africa

Ever since civil unrest and violence erupted in countries across North Africa and the Middle East, teams from Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) have been supplying and assisting hospitals and health structures where medical staff are facing increased numbers of injured people. Teams are also assisting people who are fleeing to neighbouring countries. Project Update - 23 Mar 2011

Libya

'Our key priority is to gain immediate access to the wounded in areas affected by violence within Libya'

“First and foremost, our presence here, both in terms of our medical staff and our supplies, means that we are ready to intervene as soon as we gain access into Libya. We are seeking immediate access in order to treat the wounded, who are reportedly not allowed out, while doctors and critical medical supplies are not allowed in.” Voices from the Field - 7 Mar 2011

Côte d'Ivoire

Marked deterioration of situation in west of Ivory Coast

As the population flees violence, medical personnel are deserting health posts. Faced with this increasing volatility, MSF medical teams are adapting their operations and the organization is asking all parties to the conflict to allow its medical teams to care for patients, regardless of their affiliations.
“It is critical for patients to have access to health facilities,” said Mego Terzian, MSF emergency coordinator. “MSF medical teams, who strictly adhere to the principles of impartiality and neutrality, must be able to care for patients, regardless of their affiliation.” Press Release - 4 Mar 2011

Sudan

Tens of thousands displaced following days of fighting in the Abyei, Sudan, area

MSF is currently responding to the consequences of fighting in various locations north of the disputed border district of Abyei, in Sudan. The latest outbreak of violence began on Sunday, February 27, some 20 kilometres north of Abyei town. MSF is particularly concerned for the wounded seeking medical care in the north of the Abyei area, some of whom have been evacuated to Muglad hospital. The medical humanitarian organisation is currently in discussion with authorities to provide assistance to the people most in need in this area. Project Update - 4 Mar 2011

Lebanon

Precarious living conditions make daily life a struggle

The Burj el-Barajneh camp, set up by the League of Red Cross Societies, took in refugees mainly from Galilee. Since then, the camp’s population has expanded year on year, with the arrival of migrants from elsewhere in Lebanon, as well as refugees from Syria, Egypt and Iraq. Project Update - 24 Feb 2011

Côte d'Ivoire

Mobile medical response for tens of thousands of Ivory Coast refugees near the border in Liberia

Since early December, 2010, following the post election violence and tension in Ivory Coast, tens of thousands of Ivorian fleeing their country have sought refuge on the Liberian border. Project Update - 24 Feb 2011

Greece

I live in hell and all I see is nightmares

Testimony of a migrant detained in a border police station in Evros, Greece. Voices from the Field - 4 Feb 2011

Refugees, IDPs and people on the move

Survival migrants try to improve their living conditions

MSF works in the inner-city slums of Johannesburg, the destination point for many survival migrants seeking opportunity, transit, or simply to hide among Joburg’s millions of inhabitants. But finding safe shelter here is extremely challenging. Project Update - 3 Feb 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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