History | Internationalwebsite

History about MSF

©MSF,Hussein Amri

On December 20, 1971, a group of doctors and journalists witnessed the aftermath of war and famine during the Nigerian Civil War and subsequently founded Doctors Without Borders in Paris, France. This organization is independent and focuses on providing emergency medical aid internationally, while also speaking out for those suffering.

In its early days, Doctors Without Borders had 300 volunteers involved in its humanitarian efforts, including doctors, nurses, and other staff members, with 13 founding doctors and journalists. The establishment of Doctors Without Borders was based on one belief — that everyone, regardless of gender, race, religion, beliefs, or political stance, should have access to medical care.

Action:

1970s: The First Humanitarian Mission

On December 23, 1972, a powerful earthquake struck the Nicaraguan capital, Managua, causing severe damage and casualties. This disaster prompted MSF to organize its first international rescue mission, sending a medical team to Managua to offer emergency medical support to the affected population. This mission marked the beginning of MSF’s field operations as an international medical humanitarian organization, establishing its significant role in global emergency medical relief.

©John Johnson,MSF

©UN Photo,Loey Felipe

Diffusion:

In the 1980s, Doctors Without Borders established offices in several countries, including Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. During this period, the organization participated in numerous famine and disaster relief missions and continued to speak out on behalf of affected communities. For example, during the Ethiopia famine crisis, MSF publicly condemned the government, solidifying its stance on defending humanitarian principles in times of crisis. In the 1980s, Doctors Without Borders transformed from a newly established medical organization into a global humanitarian force. It not only saved lives but also challenged injustice, leaving a lasting impact to this day.

Strengthened Actions and Contributions:

In the 1990s, Doctors Without Borders continued to participate in major rescue operations around the world, including the Rwandan Genocide, the Yugoslav Wars, and the Somali Civil War. The organization also strengthened its focus on the treatment of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, laying the foundation for later efforts to reduce global drug prices.
In 1999, Doctors Without Borders was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing their continuous efforts to provide medical services during emergency crises and affirming the global appreciation for their work.

©Pierre Fromentin,MSF

©MSF

Disease and humanitarian crises:

2000s: Disease, War, and Humanitarian Crises

In the 2000s, Doctors Without Borders launched the "Access to Essential Medicines Campaign," which significantly promoted the reduction of prices for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria medications. They also began using simplified antiretroviral therapy regimens, reducing treatment complexity and improving patient survival rates. At the same time, MSF continued to provide aid in the face of diseases, natural disasters, and major wars, such as the SARS outbreak, various wars across countries, and the South Asian tsunami.

However, as armed groups and governments in conflict zones increasingly disregarded humanitarian principles, MSF personnel faced greater risks. After the 2004 Afghanistan incident, MSF reassessed its operational approach in conflict zones

Present:

Since the 2010s, Doctors Without Borders has continued to respond to global wars and refugee crises, while advocating for increased global attention to infectious diseases, such as the Rohingya refugee crisis and the Ebola virus outbreak. They have also called on the international community to protect healthcare workers and patients.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, MSF provided significant aid, not only offering emergency medical support in low-income countries but also intervening in high-income countries like Europe and the United States to assist in managing the collapse of healthcare systems.

MSF personnel have provided aid in the most dangerous regions of the world, bravely speaking out and challenging the inaction of governments and international organizations, cementing their role as a core entity in the field of humanitarian aid.