Médecins Sans Frontières

Médecins Sans Frontières (French section), based in Paris, is an international medical humanitarian association recognised as being of public utility (reconnue d'utilité publique). It sends doctors, nurses, logisticians and other staff to deliver emergency healthcare to populations hit by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and lack of access to care, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation. The organisation intervenes in crisis zones and also speaks out publicly about the plight of the people it assists. Founded on principles of independence, impartiality and neutrality, it relies overwhelmingly on private donations to preserve its freedom of action. The French section is one of several operational sections within the wider MSF movement and runs medical projects in numerous countries. Its activities span treatment of disease outbreaks, surgery, maternal and child health, malnutrition programmes and mental health support.