Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), is renowned for its frontline medical humanitarian work. However, beyond direct patient care, Doctors Without Borders encompasses a vast network of specialized units and resources that underpin its global operations and contribute to the wider humanitarian field. These resources are crucial for enhancing medical practices, ensuring access to essential medicines, and fostering innovation within the organization and the broader healthcare community.
Access to Medicines and Research
The MSF Access Campaign, established in 1999, spearheads the fight for affordable and accessible medicines, diagnostics, and vaccines. This initiative is vital for ensuring that life-saving treatments reach those who need them most, both within Doctors Without Borders programs and globally.
CRASH (Centre de Réflexion sur l’Action et les Savoirs Humanitaires), based in Paris, acts as a think tank, conducting in-depth studies and analyses of Doctors Without Borders’ actions. CRASH plays a critical role in internal training and field assessment missions, contributing to the organization’s operational effectiveness and strategic thinking.
The UREPH (Unité de Recherche en Épidémiologie et Santé Publique), located in Geneva, focuses on improving project implementation in the field and engaging in critical analysis of humanitarian and medical interventions. This research unit is instrumental in refining Doctors Without Borders’ operational strategies and ensuring evidence-based practices.
ARHP (Análisis y Reflexión sobre Acción Humanitaria Práctica), based in Barcelona, concentrates on documenting and reflecting upon the practical challenges and ethical dilemmas encountered by Doctors Without Borders field teams. ARHP’s work is essential for learning from experience and improving future humanitarian responses.
MSF Analysis, situated in Brussels, promotes discussion and critical thinking on crucial humanitarian issues, including migration, refugee crises, aid accessibility, health policy, and the operational environment. This unit fosters informed debate and contributes to shaping humanitarian discourse.
Epicentre provides essential epidemiological expertise to bolster Doctors Without Borders’ operations. This center conducts research and training to support the organization’s mission of delivering medical aid in conflict zones, epidemic outbreaks, disaster areas, and regions with healthcare exclusion.
LUXOR (Luxembourg Operational Research Unit) coordinates field research initiatives, provides operational research training, and supports documentation and routine data collection. LUXOR strengthens Doctors Without Borders’ capacity for evidence-based decision-making and program improvement.
The DNDi (Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative) is a collaborative, non-profit drug research and development organization dedicated to creating new treatments for neglected diseases. Founded in 2003 with Doctors Without Borders as a key partner, DNDi addresses critical gaps in pharmaceutical research for diseases disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
The MSF Science Portal serves as a digital hub for sharing the latest medical evidence derived from Doctors Without Borders’ humanitarian work worldwide. This platform facilitates knowledge dissemination and promotes evidence-informed practices within the organization and the wider medical community.
Logistics and Supply Chain
MSF Supply, located in Brussels, is a central logistical hub that manages the storage and delivery of medical equipment, logistics, and pharmaceuticals for Doctors Without Borders missions globally. This center ensures the efficient flow of essential supplies to where they are needed most.
MSF Logistique, based in Bordeaux, France, provides similar warehousing and delivery services, acting as another crucial node in Doctors Without Borders’ international supply chain. This center reinforces the organization’s logistical capacity and responsiveness.
The Amsterdam Procurement Unit is a logistical center specializing in the procurement, testing, and storage of a wide array of equipment, including vehicles, communication devices, power solutions, water treatment facilities, and nutritional supplements. This unit ensures that Doctors Without Borders has access to the diverse resources necessary for its multifaceted operations.
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Medical Guidelines, Training, and Support
MSF Medical Guidelines are developed based on scientific data gathered from Doctors Without Borders’ field experiences, the World Health Organization (WHO), leading international medical institutions, and reputable medical and scientific journals. These guidelines ensure that Doctors Without Borders’ medical practices are evidence-based and aligned with global best practices.
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The MSF Academy for Healthcare was established to enhance the skills and provide training to locally-hired Doctors Without Borders staff across various countries. This academy invests in local capacity building, strengthening healthcare systems in the regions where Doctors Without Borders operates.
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MSF Paediatric Days is an annual event bringing together pediatric field staff, policymakers, and academics to exchange ideas, coordinate efforts, and share frontline research to advance urgent pediatric issues relevant to the humanitarian field. This event fosters collaboration and innovation in addressing children’s health needs in humanitarian contexts.
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Telemedicine initiatives within Doctors Without Borders aim to overcome geographical barriers and ensure equitable access to quality patient care. The telemedicine hub leverages technology to extend medical expertise and support to remote and underserved areas.
Specialized Units and Initiatives
Evaluation Units, located in Vienna, Stockholm, and Paris, are dedicated to assessing the potential and limitations of medical humanitarian action. By critically evaluating past interventions, these units enhance the effectiveness and impact of Doctors Without Borders’ humanitarian work.
LGBTQI+ Inclusion in Health Settings is a Doctors Without Borders initiative addressing healthcare disparities faced by LGBTQI+ populations. Recognizing the unique health challenges and access barriers, this program promotes inclusive and equitable healthcare for all.
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The Intersectional Benchmarking Unit focuses on collecting and analyzing data related to local labor markets in all locations where Doctors Without Borders employs staff. This unit promotes fair labor practices and contributes to the organization’s ethical and responsible operations.
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The Humanitarian Law guide provides accessible explanations of the terms, concepts, and rules of humanitarian law. This resource is crucial for Doctors Without Borders staff and others working in humanitarian settings to understand and adhere to legal frameworks governing armed conflict and humanitarian action.
The MSF Foundation aims to cultivate a collaborative environment for logistics and medical knowledge sharing to benefit both Doctors Without Borders and the broader humanitarian sector. The foundation fosters innovation and knowledge exchange to improve humanitarian practice.
Noma is a Doctors Without Borders initiative dedicated to raising awareness and combating Noma, a preventable and treatable neglected disease with devastating consequences if left untreated. This program highlights Doctors Without Borders’ commitment to addressing neglected health crises.
TIC (Transformation and Innovation Cell) is an initiative focused on evolving Doctors Without Borders’ operational approaches to better meet the changing needs of patients. TIC drives innovation and adaptation within the organization to enhance its responsiveness and effectiveness.
The Sweden Innovation Unit, launched in 2012, employs a human-centered approach to foster a culture of innovation within Doctors Without Borders. This unit promotes creative problem-solving and the development of new solutions to humanitarian challenges.
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Doctors Without Borders’ extensive network of resources and initiatives demonstrates its commitment to not only providing direct medical care but also to advancing medical knowledge, improving humanitarian practices, and advocating for equitable healthcare access worldwide. Exploring these resources offers a deeper understanding of the multifaceted work of Doctors Without Borders and its profound impact on global health.
