Photo:Remco Bohle
Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) is a private, non-profit, international humanitarian organization, whose objective is to provide medical relief to populations in crisis.
The organization, which operates independently of all states, institutions, political, economic or religious influences, depends on volunteer health professionals in fulfilling its mission.
Largely supported by private donors, the organization is able to maintain great intervention flexibility and total independence in its choice of operations.
Médecins Sans Frontières was established in 1971 by a group of physicians determined to offer emergency assistance wherever wars and man-made disasters occur. Its guiding principles are laid down in a charter to which all members of the organization subscribe.
In accordance with universal medical ethics and the right to humanitarian assistance, Médecins Sans Frontières observes strict impartiality and demands full and unhindered freedom in performing its functions.
Médecins Sans Frontières has a wide range of expertise and proven techniques and strategies of intervention. The organization is able to effectively pool the logistics and human resources necessary to provide rapid and efficient aid.
When medical assistance is not enough to save lives, Médecins Sans Frontières will speak out against human rights abuses and violations of humanitarian law that its teams witness in the course of providing medical relief.
Today a truly international organization, with offices in 19 countries, Médecins Sans Frontières sends over 2,000 volunteers, representing over 45 different nationalities, to some 70 countries annually.
For information about Médecins Sans Frontières in your country and how you can help them with their work, visit the International Web Site of Médecins Sans Frontières.
