The Association
We are a movement, rooted in our medical operations, which engages Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) staff from all over the world in a shared commitment to medical humanitarian action.
Through MSF associations, members have the right and responsibility to voice their opinions and contribute to the definition and guidance of our social mission. The associations bring together people in formal and informal debates and activities - in our programmes, in general assemblies at national and regional levels, and in an annual international assembly.
Because the people making the decisions are current or former staff, MSF remains relevant to the needs seen in the countries where we work, and focused on medical care and on our core principles: independence, impartiality, and neutrality.
How do MSF Associations work?
The MSF movement is currently made up of 28 national and regional associations.
Each of them is an independent legal entity registered in the country where they operate. The associations elect their own board of directors and president during their General Assembly/Annual General Meeting.
The Associations ensure that MSF remains true to its purpose, principles and values and help shape the future of MSF. They are united by a shared commitment to the MSF Charter.
The MSF Australia Association
The MSF Australia Association is made up of past and present MSF staff from Australia and New Zealand. There are currently more than 350 members in the MSF Australia Association. The Association comes together in regional networks in each capital city and during the Annual General Meeting.
The MSF Australia Association members elect a
Board of Directors who represent them. The Board takes responsibility for the actions of MSF Australia and New Zealand and works to guarantee that the MSF principles are respected.
We discuss
Being a member of the Association means having a voice. We discuss and debate everything, all the time: it is part of the MSF culture! The discussions happen in the field and at home.
We support
The MSFA Association offers field workers peer-to-peer support from people who understand the realities of delivering medical aid in the world’s most challenging places.
We are ambassadors
Becoming a member means taking collective responsibility for MSF. Because the people making the decisions have worked with MSF, the organisation stays focused on medical care and our core principles:
independence, impartiality and neutrality.
The MSF Associations turn our organisation in to a powerful movement, lead by the people who work for us and understand the needs of our patients from first-hand experience.
