Doctors Without Borders/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. Frequently, one of the following four situations has led to MSF's involvement:

An MSF volunteer on the medical frontlines in Kosovo Photo © Myriam Gaume/MSF

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.

The world's refugee population continues to grow. As a public education project, MSF created the outdoor exhibit A Refugee Camp in the Heart of the City, and a virtual tour of a refugee camp. [Visit refugeecamp.org] Photo © Alain Fredaigue/MSF

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.

An MSF volunteer distributes emergency food supplies after Hurricane Mitch devastated several Central American countries in 1998.

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.

An MSF volunteer trains Sudanese staff in measuring blood pressure.

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.