MSF's growth and increased professionalism in the 1970's came as a response to decolonisation and Cold War conflicts in Africa and Asia, which created massive refugee crises. Volunteers were paid allowances for the first time and a small back-up team was established at what was then the only headquarters in Paris. In 1981, MSF set up its first logistics department to co-ordinate and channel emergency medical relief.

International movement

The success of MSF in France captured the imagination of other doctors across Europe. Operational sections of MSF sprang up in Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Spain. This expansion continued with the creation of support sections in Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Norway, Sweden, the US and - of course - the UK.

MSF now has projects in over 70 countries, providing both life-saving emergency relief and longer-term assistance to make basic healthcare services available to the most vulnerable or excluded communities on the basis of need alone. As medical professionals, MSF volunteers have a duty to try and protect their patients from violence and abuse. MSF often chooses to speak out about gross violations of humanitarian law against civilians in conflict, refugees, unaccompanied children and other vulnerable groups, in an attempt to bring abuse to world attention.

To be able to speak and act freely, MSF is completely independent of any political, religious or economic powers. To maintain its independence from political interference, MSF relies on donations from individuals around the world for at least 70% of its income. The private funding gives MSF the freedom to respond to the greatest needs as fast as possible. As a supporter of MSF - whether as a volunteer or through donations - you will be central to the movement's struggle to uphold humanitarian values, even in the most violent war zones.

The Médecins Sans Frontières Charter

Médecins Sans Frontières is a private international association. The association is made up mainly of doctors and health sector workers and is also open to all other professions which might help in achieving its aims. All of its members agree to honour the following principles:

Médecins Sans Frontières provides assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflict. They do so irrespective of race, religion, creed or political convictions.

Médecins Sans Frontières observes neutrality and impartiality in the name of universal medical ethics and the right to humanitarian assistance and claims full and unhindered freedom in the exercise of its functions.

Members undertake to respect their professional code of ethics and to maintain complete independence from all political, economic, or religious powers.