Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) is an independent international medical humanitarian organisation that was founded in France in 1971. They deliver emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural or man-made disasters. They offer assistance to people based on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.
Their actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of neutrality and impartiality. They do not take sides but seek to bring assistance to those who need it more urgently.
When they witness serious acts of violence, neglected crisis, or obstructions to their activities, they may speak out about this.
In 1999, Médecins Sans Frontières was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for our “Pioneering humanitarian work on several continents”
To find out more about our work, read stories from patients and staff or see how to get involved please visit www.msf.org.nz