Our History
Our History
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) was founded in 1971 in France by a group of doctors and journalists in the wake of war and famine in Biafra, Nigeria. The aim was to establish an independent organisation that focuses on delivering emergency medical aid in the field – quickly, effectively, and impartially.
Three hundred volunteers made up the organisation when it was founded: doctors, nurses, and other staff, including the 13 founding doctors and journalists.
What is MSF / Doctors Without Borders?
Doctors Without Borders (otherwise known as Médecins Sans Frontières or MSF) is an organisation that was created in the belief that all people should have access to healthcare regardless of gender, race, religion, creed, or political affiliation, and that medical needs outweigh respect for national boundaries. The principles of action of Doctors Without Borders are described in our charter, which established a framework for our mission and our activities around the world.