MSF responds to crisis situations based on need alone. Although every situation is unique, these can be roughly grouped into four main categories.
Armed Conflict
People affected by armed conflict require comprehensive medical and humanitarian support. They are often forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in places with little access to healthcare, clean water or other basic requirements.
Aside from the immediate need for medical aid for victims of direct violence, provision of basic healthcare, psychological services, provision of clean water and general supplies are vital to displaced communities. Without this, these people are at risk from malnutrition, exposure and epidemics, such as tuberculosis and malaria.
MSF teams provide urgent medical aid to those affected in conflict areas, as well as within displaced communities. We are committed to providing medical facilities and services that meet the needs of these populations, as well as constructing wells, dispensing water and offering shelter where necessary.
Disease Outbreaks
Outbreaks of disease affect massive numbers of people across the world, in wartime and stability. The capacity to respond immediately and with the most effective tools is vital in these often complex situations. Those affected by epidemics can live in areas with very little access and cannot always rely on support from government or local authorities. They are often minority groups, refugees or nomads whose access to healthcare is already very low.
Women and children are often the worst affected. Exposed to infectious and communicable diseases, immunocompromised in pregnancy, and traditionally with less opportunity to express their pains and concerns, women’s situations go unnoticed in many countries. Dependency increases the vulnerability of infants and children and many die young.
MSF works provides medical assistance through existing hospitals and clinics, establishing further structures when needed. Raising awareness about the risks of an epidemic and training and prevention initiatives are essential. Collaboration with local governments and authorities crucial for a fast and effective response.
Social Violence and Healthcare Exclusion
Minorities, ethnic groups, migrants and displaced people and refugees are often those most vulnerable from violence and often those with least access to healthcare. They are socially excluded as prisoners or the unemployed, medically excluded because of drug addictions and mental illness or they may be sex workers or infected with AIDS or tuberculosis. Found in environments where living conditions are poor and rights are limited or nonexistent, they do not receive adequate support from local authorities or the community. Again, particularly vulnerable are children such as street kids.
MSF acts to alleviate these people's daily suffering with medical, psychological and social care. However, to combat healthcare exclusion, projects that bring attention to healthcare access and the absence of medical services are essential. MSF’s mission includes the act of speaking out and we are committed to bringing local and international authorities' attention to the causes of this suffering and the realities of our patients.
Natural Disasters
Communities affected by natural disasters require an immediate medical and humanitarian response. They frequently find themselves in desperate conditions, having suddenly lost family and friends as well as homes and possessions. They are highly traumatised and in need of rapid and diverse medical and social support. Poor people are particularly affected, as their already precarious living conditions can mean a higher level of destruction.
Access to a disaster area is usually complex and demands fast solutions to multiple problems. MSF provides numerous medical services, including surgery, psychosocial and nutrition programmes, either through existing hospitals and clinics structures or through the erection of temporary buildings. In these situations, preventive actions addressing potential epidemic risks are also taken. Relief supplies such as blankets, tents and cooking oil may also be distributed when needed.
These operations rely heavily on good communication and collaboration with national organisations, ensuring that local and international efforts compliment each other to provide the best possible response.
Click here to read how MSF responded to the tsunami emergency in 2004