Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) was established in 1971 by a small group of French doctors and journalists who had worked together during the Nigerian Civil War. Upon their return, they were determined to find a way to respond rapidly and effectively to public health emergencies, with complete independence from political, economic and religious influences.
Today, MSF is one of the world’s leading independent international medical relief organizations, working in more than 70 countries worldwide with 5 operational centres and national offices in 19 countries.
This session will provide insight into MSF’s mandate which concerns emergency relief, and the principles we honour while carrying out our work are contained in the MSF Charter. We launch our operations in areas where there is no medical infrastructure or where the existing one cannot withstand the pressure to which it is subjected. In most cases, relief programs change to rehabilitation projects that may run for several years after the most urgent needs have been met.
The emphasis will be on understanding the types of work that we do while home or in the field, drawing upon my experiences working as a nurse in four MSF Projects.  You will be able to ask questions and reflect on the different ways  the community contributes to our goals.