Stories & News

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) translates to Doctors without Borders. We provide medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. 

MSF was founded in 1971 in Paris by a group of journalists and doctors. Today, we are a worldwide movement of more than 67,000 people.

Our teams are made up of tens of thousands of health professionals, logistic and administrative staff - bound together by our charter.  Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality, independence and neutrality. We are a non-profit, self-governed, member-based organisation.

About MSF

Responding to Emergencies

When an emergency strikes, the first 72 hours are critical. This is the lifesaving phase, when medical care is most crucial. During this small window of opportunity, it’s vital that MSF gets on the ground quickly with the equipment and supplies necessary to start saving lives.

INFO SHEET: THE FIRST 72 HOURS

ACTIVITY: BUILDING AN INFLATABLE HOSPITAL

ACTIVITY: BUILD AN OFF-ROAD AMBULANCE

Posters

The following posters have been produced to give you supplementary learning materials for student learning outcomes within the context of MSF’s work. If you have any feedback on other posters and information you would like for your classroom in this format, please get in contact with us!

The bubble operating theatre

In Kabala hospital, Sierra Leone, MSF has been trialling an innovative mobile surgical space that could revolutionise the way our medical teams conduct surgery in conflict zones and in the aftermath of emergencies.

The bubble operating theatre is a portable surgical unit equipped with an air filter that provides sterile conditions for surgery. Quick to assemble, the bubble OT is easily deployed and is designed for repeated use.

3D printed prosthetics

MSF’s reconstructive surgery hospital in Amman, Jordan, provides specialised medical care and rehabilitation for patients wounded and disfigured in conflicts throughout the region.

In 2017, MSF introduced a 3D printing project at the hospital to provide prosthetic upper limbs for patients.

Rapid interventions

This two-sided graphic explains how MSF responds to emergencies during the first 72 hours—the lifesaving phase in a major emergency.

It takes a look at our RISK kit (Rapid Intervention Surgical Kit) that can fit in the back of an MSF Land Cruiser and be deployed within hours.

The following resources are carefully designed to meet the learning requirements of students studying Geography from year’s 7-10 according the Australian school curriculum. The resources are designed to be a supplement to learning and focuses on the work of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) within the context of these subject areas.

Stage 4 Geography Resources

Resource 1: Water in the World – Deadly Drought

Teacher Notes

Syllabus Content:

a) Spatial distribution, cause and impact of the disaster
b) Responses by individuals, groups and government
c) Prediction of the impact of climate change
d) Management strategies to reduce the future impact of similar events.

Stage 5 Geography Resources

Resource 2: Sustainable Biomes – Food for Life

Teacher Notes

Syllabus Content: Challenges to food production

Investigate environmental challenges to food production for Australia and other areas of the world, for example:

• description of the impact of water scarcity and pollution on food production
• discussion of the impact of land degradation and competing land uses on food production eg urban expansion, biofuel production
• assessment of the extent to which climate change can affect the capacity of countries to increase food production.

Resource 3: Changing Places – Forced to Leave

Teacher Notes

Syllabus Content: International migration

Investigate the reasons for and effects of international migration to Australia, for example:

• analysis of international migration patterns
• explanation of where and why international migrants settle within Australia
• examination of characteristics and spatial patterns of Australia’s cultural diversity

Resource 4: Human Wellbeing – Combating Cholera

Teacher Notes

Syllabus Content: Human wellbeing and development

• analysis of contemporary trends in human wellbeing and development

Spatial variations in human wellbeing

• investigate causes, issues and consequences of spatial variations in human wellbeing
• description of spatial variations in human wellbeing and development between and within countries using selected indicators

You will also find more supplementary resources about cholera on our ‘Deadly Diseases’ page in the school resources section.

Resource 5: Human Wellbeing – Taking Action

Teacher Notes

Syllabus Content: Improving wellbeing

Investigate initiatives to improve human wellbeing in Australia and other countries, for example:

• evaluation of initiatives by governments and non-government organisations to reduce spatial variations in human wellbeing

Cholera

Caused by a water-borne bacterial infection, cholera is transmitted through contaminated food or water, or through contact with fecal matter or vomit from infected people. A patient can lose up to 25 litres of fluid per day. Cholera can cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting, and rapidly prove fatal, within hours, if not treated. But cholera is very simple to treat – most patients respond well to oral rehydration salts, which are easy to administer. In more serious cases, intravenous fluids are required. Ultimately, no-one should die of cholera - yet well over 100,000 do each year.

WHAT IS CHOLERA?

INTERACTIVE: CHOLERA TREATMENT

DOWNLOAD: TREATMENT POSTER

Ebola

Ebola is a highly contagious viral disease with an incubation period of up to 21 days. The disease is transmitted from person to person via bodily fluids such as blood, sweat, saliva or tears. Those diagnosed with the Ebola virus suffer severe diarrhoea, vomiting and bleeding, which can lead to severe dehydration, and ultimately organ failure and death.

Médecins Sans Frontières has a long history responding to outbreaks of Ebola in countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. 

Médecins Sans Frontières has intervened in almost all reported outbreaks over the past years.

WHAT IS EBOLA?

DOWNLOAD: EBOLA TREATMENT

Get Involved

Want to make a difference by supporting the work of Médecins Sans Frontières? Why not create your own fundraising event. Running an event at your school, work or amongst friends is a great way to help raise funds to support Médecins Sans Frontières. There are so many ways you can fundraise:

• Set up a birthday fundraiser
• Get active and challenge yourself
• Host a fundraising event at your school
• Host a mapathon event and fundraise for MSF at your event.

To find out more click on the links below to learn how to get involved:

START A FUNDRAISER

START A MAPS EVENT

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

Missing Maps

Each year, disasters around the world kill nearly 100,000 and affect or displace 200 million people. Many of the places where these disasters occur are literally 'missing' from any map and first responders lack the information to make valuable decisions regarding relief efforts. Missing Maps is an open, collaborative project in which you can help to map areas where humanitarian organisations are trying to meet the needs of vulnerable people.

VISIT MISSING MAPS

Mapswipe

Around the world, millions of individuals are affected by disasters, disease, and conflict. First responders working with these communities often have to cover large areas, but lack the data necessary for an efficient, effective response. Through MapSwipe, volunteers pinpoint where critical infrastructure and populations are located, allowing mappers to focus only on areas where they know features need to be mapped.

VISIT MAPSWIPE

Today, you can direct your cryptocurrency towards building meaningful change

At Médecins Sans Frontières, we are increasing the ways we receive donations to reflect the range of ways in which people prefer to give.

We are proud to be accepting cryptocurrency donations via The Giving Block.

Cryptocurrency is a safe and secure digital currency validated by peer-to-peer technology, which has transformed the way people give and receive money globally.

How it works

We have made donating via The Giving Block possible, so that you can contribute to our vital work through one of the most popular, fast, and reliable payment systems in cryptocurrency. The blockchain authorisation process means that cryptocurrency contributions to Médecins Sans Frontières are both transparent and secure.

By supporting Médecins Sans Frontières with donations of cryptocurrency, you can maximise your charitable giving. As donations made with cryptocurrency are not subject to capital gains tax, allowing supporters to maximise the value of their contributions and greatly amplify our work: extending invaluable, timely medical care to individuals in times of crisis. When it comes to tax time, the tax deduction of your charitable gift is generally equal to the fair market value of the cryptocurrency at the time of the donation. If you want to learn more about how donating crypto can lower your taxes, check out https://www.thegivingblock.com/faq.

Your cryptocurrency in action

With your contribution, we can continue to provide medical aid when and where it’s needed most.

From field hospitals to our offices, at the heart of our work is a continued commitment to independence, neutrality, and impartiality. These values drive Médecins Sans Frontières’ work responding to situations in over 70 countries, where we provide specialised medical care for those who have been deeply impacted by disasters, epidemics, conflict, and limited access to healthcare. We rely on the generosity and support of people like you, who power our crucial work and allow us to remain independent.

Your donation is an investment for a better future for those who need it most.

What are you doing to manage your health in 2021? Do our quick poll to find out how you compare to others. 

Whilst these are some great ways of implementing self-care, there is also medical self-care, such as managing your medication or treatment, self-testing for infections and diseases, and knowing where to find reliable information. 

A nurse gives instruction on how to take contraceptive pills in Harare, Zimbabwe. © Charmaine Chitate / MSF

© MSF

How did you go? 

Of course, self-care means different things to different people. But if you want to be more empowered to manage your own health, you’re not alone. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT SELF-CARE

Take charge of your own health by becoming more familiar with your body and monitoring it regularly.

Here are a few things you can do to ensure your health stays on track:

Check your movement

Ensure you’re moving your body adequately throughout the day—extended periods of time sitting can cause long term health issues. Stand and stretch at least once every hour, and try to exercise for 30 minutes each day.

Check your exposure

Use sun protection when you’re outside, and monitor any freckles, moles or skin blemishes for anything unusual. Things to look for are changes in shape or colour, or any pain or itchiness from skin marks.

Check in emotionally

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health—take a few minutes each day to ground yourself in the present, be honest with how you’re feeling, and practise some deep breathing exercises.

Check your bones

Bone health is important at every stage of life, and particularly for women. Make sure you’re including enough calcium in your diet and getting essential Vitamin D, as well as including regular weight-bearing exercises in your daily routine.

Check your pelvic floor

Strengthening your pelvic floor is important for everyone, no matter what gender or age. Pelvic muscle training, or Kegels, should be done daily. Tighten the muscles in your pelvic area (the ones you would use to stop urination midstream), hold for five seconds, release for five seconds, and repeat.

Check your breasts

It's important to be aware of what your breasts look and feel like normally in case there are any changes. Note any concerning lumps, swelling, sensitivity or pain, and discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Self-care means different things to different people. But if you want to be more empowered to manage your own health, you’re not alone.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SELF-CARE