On 22 December 1971, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is officially created with 300 volunteers, including doctors, nurses, and other staff. The organization was founded by 13 doctors and journalists.

MSF's first mission in 1972 is in Managua, Nicaragua's capital, following an earthquake that caused significant destruction and casualties.

In September 1974, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) provided relief efforts in Honduras after Hurricane Fifi caused major flooding and resulted in numerous fatalities.

Médecins Sans Frontières carried out a relief mission to help the population of Honduras following the destructive Hurricane Fifi–Orlene.

From 1976 to 1984, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) operated in Beirut and other cities in Lebanon, offering medical assistance to war-wounded individuals. The medical teams treated patients with injuries from shrapnel and bullets, as well as broken limbs and burns. However, they faced challenges due to insufficient medical materials and tools, lack of essential equipment like X-rays and ventilators, and limited capacity for blood transfusions.

Claude Malhuret was elected as the new president of Médecins Sans Frontières in 1977. He and his supporters opposed the concept of témoignage, which involves speaking out about the suffering witnessed, and believed MSF should avoid criticizing governments of countries they worked in.

Following the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan, MSF teams undertook a clandestine journey from Pakistan to provide medical aid to injured civilians in remote areas.

In 1980, under the leadership of Claude Malhuret and Rony Brauman, MSF underwent a transformation towards becoming the professional organization it is known as today.

In 1982, Malhuret and Rony Brauman introduced fundraising-by-mail to increase financial independence for MSF by collecting donations more effectively.

In 1984, MSF was actively involved in addressing the famine crisis in Ethiopia, emphasizing the importance of speaking out and raising awareness on international platforms.

In December 1985, one of the two Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) sections working in a country is expelled after the government starts forcibly displacing populations and diverting humanitarian aid.

In 1986, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) organized mobile clinics and provided assistance to the injured and traumatized individuals affected by the Sri Lankan Civil War.

MSF provides aid to victims of the earthquake in Armenia, offering support and medical assistance to those affected.

In 1990, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams offered emergency care to refugees and individuals affected by Liberia's civil war at the peak of the conflict.

In 1991, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) launched one of its largest interventions to aid Kurdish individuals fleeing the Gulf War.

In December 1992, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) publishes a report exposing the Bosnian Serb policy of ethnic cleansing in the besieged enclaves of Srebrenica and Gorazde, where supplies are being hindered. The report sheds light on the dire situation faced by the Muslim population in these areas.

In 1993, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) began its operations in Burundi amidst the civil war that was ongoing in the country.

In 1994, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) witnesses the genocide in Rwanda and takes action to stop the massacre of patients and staff members. The organization appeals to the French government and the UN Human Rights Commission for intervention, ultimately calling for international military involvement following the brutal killings of Tutsis and Hutus.

On October 4, 1995, Médecins Sans Frontières established the Chantilly Principles, which outline the core values and principles guiding their humanitarian work, including providing assistance to populations in distress without discrimination and maintaining independence from political, economic, or religious influences.

In November 1996, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) advocated for armed international intervention in Rwanda to safeguard refugees and ensure access to humanitarian aid during a period of conflict.

In 1997, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) provided aid and support in Rwanda during a time of war and genocide, offering assistance to those affected by the conflict.

In 1998, MSF withdrew from North Korea after three years due to the inability to ensure medical aid reaching the most vulnerable during the famine. However, they continued to provide assistance to refugees fleeing to China.

In October 1999, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize for its groundbreaking humanitarian efforts across multiple continents. During the acceptance speech, Dr. James Orbinski, the president of the MSF International Council at the time, addressed Russian leader Boris Yeltsin, denouncing the violence inflicted on civilians in Chechnya.

In 2000, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) treats individuals injured and displaced by the violent civil war in Sierra Leone.

In 2001, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) begins providing antiretroviral therapy to individuals with HIV in seven different countries, contributing to the global response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

MSF appeals to other humanitarian organizations, donors, and the government for help in treating over 9,000 severely malnourished children and 20,000 moderately malnourished children. The intervention involves 200 international volunteers and more than 2,200 national staff.

MSF remains in Baghdad during the US invasion of Iraq, criticizing the US government for inadequate medical care for civilians.

Following the devastating tsunami in Southeast Asia in December 2004, the first Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) team arrived within 72 hours of the disaster. Evaluations were conducted in Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Due to an overwhelming amount of donations received, MSF requested donors to halt contributions as they had sufficient funding for their medical programs in the region.

In July 2005, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) provided emergency medical care and tested water in Mumbai and Kurla to ensure it was safe to drink after the flooding.

MSF's actions are guided by the principles of impartiality, independence, and neutrality. They provide assistance based on need, without discrimination based on nationality, religion, or political affiliations. The organization prioritizes those in the most serious and immediate danger.

In 2007, MSF clarified that they had public disagreements with Bernard Kouchner for nearly 30 years on issues such as the right to intervene and the use of armed force for humanitarian reasons. Kouchner supported the use of armed force, while MSF advocated for impartial humanitarian action.

In 2008, following Cyclone Nargis hitting Myanmar, MSF teams that were already present in the country provided assistance to thousands of people who were displaced by the storm.

MSF staff, including doctors, nurses, and other professionals, offer medical aid in over 65 countries.

In 2010, Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake followed by a cholera outbreak. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) initiated its largest emergency response to provide medical assistance to the affected population.

In 2011, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) delivered medical assistance to 20,440 individuals in Hangu, showcasing their commitment to providing healthcare in challenging environments.

In 2012, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Hong Kong released an activity report regarding their projects in Africa.

MSF announced the closure of all its programmes in Somalia due to attacks by Al-Shabaab militants on its staff and perceived indifference from governmental authorities and wider society.

In early 2014, five MSF employees are abducted in Syria, highlighting the dangers faced by humanitarian workers in the region.

In February 2014, the Government of Myanmar orders MSF to stop all activities in the country, impacting HIV/AIDS and TB patients. MSF later resumes primary health clinics in Myanmar by December 2014.

During the Battle of Kunduz, an MSF hospital was bombed by American forces, resulting in the death of fourteen staff and 28 others.

US President Barack Obama issued an apology to Doctors Without Borders after the bombing of an MSF hospital, but the organization was not satisfied with the apology.

An MSF hospital in Sa'dah, Yemen, was bombed by the Saudi Arabia-led military coalition.

A Syrian Air Force helicopter barrel-bombed an MSF-supported hospital near Homs, Syria, killing seven and wounding forty-seven people.

An MSF-supported hospital in Sa'dah was bombed by the Saudi Arabia-led military coalition, resulting in the death of six people.

Two MSF-supported hospitals in Idlib District and Aleppo, Syria, were bombed, killing at least 20 and injuring dozens of patients and medical personnel.

On March 15, 2016, the Bihar State Health Minister inaugurated Kala Azar Day as a result of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) advocacy efforts. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about Kala Azar, a neglected tropical disease, in the region.

An MSF hospital in Aleppo was bombed, resulting in the death of 50 individuals, including six staff and patients.

On 3 May 2016, Dr Joanne Liu, the International President of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), urges members of the UN Security Council to prioritize the protection of civilians and hospitals in conflict zones. This plea emphasizes the importance of safeguarding medical facilities during times of war.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) rejects financial support from the European Union as a form of protest against the EU-Turkey deal, which enforces a strict immigration policy forcing refugees and migrants arriving in Europe via the Greek islands to be sent back to Turkey.

In June 2018, 630 vulnerable refugees and migrants were rescued on the Mediterranean Sea by MSF and SOS Mediterranée. Spain agreed to take them after being denied entry to safe ports in Malta and Italy.

In December 2018, MSF and SOS Méditerranée were forced to end operations of the Aquarius, the last remaining vessel supported by MSF, due to attacks by EU states. Despite rescuing and assisting thousands of people, the vessel faced registration issues and criminal accusations.

Information about the history of Médecins Sans Frontières can be found on the Nobel Prize website.

The establishment of Médecins Sans Frontières was commemorated, marking the organization's inception.

Médecins Sans Frontières provided medical treatment to 60 individuals who were injured in grenade explosions.

The organization Médecins Sans Frontières was founded on this date.

MSF provides mental health support beyond physical health. The focus is on addressing the psychological well-being of individuals.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) decided to end its operations in Somalia due to the extreme attacks faced by the organization.

On May 12, armed gunmen attacked the maternity wing of Kabul’s Dasht-e-Barchi hospital in Afghanistan, targeting women in labor and new mothers. The assailants killed 16 women, 2 boys, and an MSF midwife, leading to the withdrawal of MSF due to safety concerns, leaving women in the area without comprehensive maternity care.

Three MSF employees were reported killed in Tigray, Ethiopia.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is actively involved in providing emergency response in Gaza. The organization is working to address the urgent medical needs of the affected population.

In August and September 2022, MSF provided medical care to asylum seekers outside the overcrowded migration centre in Ter Apel, the Netherlands. This assistance aimed to support the health needs of vulnerable individuals seeking asylum.

During the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, an MSF evacuation convoy in Gaza was attacked, resulting in the deaths of two family members of MSF workers, one being a volunteer at Al Shifa Hospital. MSF attributed the attack to the Israeli army.

Médecins Sans Frontières calls on the new US administration to create a safe and compassionate migration policy by rescinding the harmful Title 42 order. This order exploits the COVID-19 pandemic to shut down the US-Mexico border, preventing migrants and asylum seekers from entering and sending them back to Mexico or their home countries.