What is MSF/DWB?
History¹
The idea behind Doctors Without Borders was formed in May of 1968 by a group of French doctors, hence the French name of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), who wanted to help people in times of war and natural disasters. Two founders were volunteer doctors with the French Red Cross who went to provide care to the area of Biafra, a territory in southern Nigeria, which was engaged in a war due to Biafra's secession. Helping in this setting opened the doctors' eyes to the idea of a new form of humanitarianism: helping those in need of medical attention regardless of boundaries, politics, religion, gender, etc.
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In December of 1971, Doctors Without Borders became an official organization consisting of 300 volunteers. As a new organization, their first relief mission was located in Managua, the capitol of Nicaragua, where a deadly earthquake had occurred, killing thousands and severely damaging the city.
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From its inception, Doctors Without Borders has provided medical care to over one hundred million people around the world. The organization has over 30,000 employees and offices in 21 countries.
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In 1999, Doctors Without Borders was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their humanitarian work in more than 80 countries.
Principles²
Medical
Ethics
responsibility to provide care without causing harm while respecting the patient's autonomy, confidentiality, and informed consent
Independent, Impartial, Neutral
providing care to those in need regardless of funds, politicians and the media
Bearing
Witness
responsibility to speak out publicly when fundamental human rights are being violated
Accountability
be responsible for the patients and the team that treats them; be transparent in how funds are being used
Behavioral Commitment
ensure employees are respecting patients, not taking advantage/exploiting/abusing patients,
Global Impact of MSF³
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Countries MSF has done work in areas of refugees/internally displaced people, natural disasters, and conflict/war:
