Forty-five years of responding to crises with medical int
1971 – Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is founded
A group of French doctors and journalists created MSF in the wake of the war and accompanying famine in Biafra, Nigeria, and the floods in eastern Pakistan (now Bangladesh). MSF is based on the belief that all people should have access to healthcare regardless of gender, race, religion, creed or political affiliation, and that people’s medical needs outweigh respect for national boundaries. MSF’s principles of action are described in our charter, which establishes a framework for our activities.
1980 — War in Afghanistan 1975 — Cambodians flee Khmer Rouge
MSF establishes its first l a r g e - s c a l e me d i c a l programme during a refugee crisis, providing medical care for waves of Cambodians seeking sanctuary from Pol Pot’s rule. (Photo: MSF)
1976 — War in Lebanon