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 Officially Created

MSF is officially created on 22 December 1971 with 300 volunteers including doctors, nurses, and other staff.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) was founded on December 22, 1971, as a response to the Biafra secessionist war in Nigeria. It is a humanitarian organization that provides medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, and disasters worldwide.

Creation of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

In 1972, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) embarked on its first mission in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, in response to a devastating earthquake that resulted in the destruction of a significant portion of the city and claimed the lives of thousands of individuals.

MSF's First Mission in Managua, Nicaragua

In 1972, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) conducted its first mission to Managua, Nicaragua, following an earthquake that devastated the city and caused significant casualties.

MSF's first mission to Managua after earthquake

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

MSF's First Mission in Managua

An earthquake in Nicaragua led to the first Médecins Sans Frontières mission in response to a natural disaster.

First MSF mission in a natural disaster in Nicaragua

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

MSF's response to Hurricane Fifi in Honduras

MSF set up its first large-scale medical program to assist Cambodian refugees escaping the Khmer Rouge regime along the Cambodian-Thai border.

MSF establishes medical program along Cambodian-Thai border

In 1975, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) initiated a project in Nam Yao refugee camp in Thailand to assist refugees who had fled Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

MSF project in Nam Yao refugee camp in Thailand

In 1975, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) establishes its first large-scale medical programme during a refugee crisis in Cambodia, providing medical care for Cambodians fleeing from Pol Pot's oppressive rule. The mission highlights the initial challenges faced by MSF as a new humanitarian organization, including lack of preparation, inadequate support for doctors, and tangled supply chains, leading to a turning point in the organization's history.

MSF's First Large-Scale Medical Programme in Cambodian Refugee Crisis

In 1975, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) sets up its initial major medical operation during a refugee crisis in Cambodia, offering medical assistance to the influx of Cambodians fleeing from Pol Pot's oppressive regime. This marks a pivotal moment for MSF as challenges such as lack of preparation, inadequate support for doctors, and tangled supply chains become evident.

MSF establishes first large-scale medical programme during Cambodian refugee crisis

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

MSF relief mission after Hurricane Fifi–Orlene in Honduras

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.

MSF providing medical care in war-torn Lebanon

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.

Claude Malhuret elected as President of Médecins Sans Frontières

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.

MSF teams enter Afghanistan from Pakistan

In 1979, French intellectuals launched the 'A Boat for Vietnam' project to provide medical aid to refugees from South Vietnam and surrounding countries. Despite not receiving majority support from MSF, some individuals chartered a ship called L'Île de Lumière and provided medical aid to the boat people.

A Boat for Vietnam Project

Since 1979, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been offering medical humanitarian aid in Sudan, a country facing challenges such as starvation, civil war, malnutrition, and high maternal mortality rates.

MSF Providing Medical Humanitarian Assistance in Sudan

In 1979, differing perspectives and goals among members of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) result in a division within the organization. This internal discord leads to a split, indicating a significant shift in the direction and focus of MSF's humanitarian efforts.

Competing visions lead to split within MSF

Dr Bernard Kouchner, co-founder of MSF, departs to establish a new organization called Médecins du Monde (Doctors of the World).

MSF Co-founder Dr Bernard Kouchner leaves to form Médecins du Monde

MSF transitions from sending individual doctors to crisis zones to establishing a more organized structure under the leadership of Dr Claude Malhuret and Dr Francis Charhon to deliver quality medical aid during emergencies.

MSF shifts to structured organization for crisis medical services

In 1980, MSF-Belgium was established as one of the operational sections of Médecins Sans Frontières.

Establishment of MSF-Belgium

In 1980, co-founder of MSF, Dr. Bernard Kouchner, disagreed with the new direction of the organization and left to establish Médecins du Monde.

Formation of Médecins du Monde by Dr. Bernard Kouchner

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.

Transformation of MSF under Claude Malhuret and Rony Brauman

In 1980, MSF organized the first 'témoignage' on the international stage with the 'March for Survival of Cambodia', highlighting the crisis in the region.

March for Survival of Cambodia

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

Introduction of Fundraising-by-Mail by Malhuret and Rony Brauman

In 1984, MSF-Holland was established as one of the operational sections of Médecins Sans Frontières.

Establishment of MSF-Holland

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.

Ethiopia Famine Crisis

In 1984, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) initiated programs to address malnutrition in Ethiopia, aiming to provide medical assistance to those in need.

MSF starts programs to treat malnutrition in Ethiopia

In 1984, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) set up an office in the Netherlands, expanding its presence to facilitate humanitarian aid operations.

MSF establishes office in the Netherlands

In 1984, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) founded the Liberté Sans Frontières (LSF) Foundation, serving as a platform to address development and human rights issues.

MSF creates the Liberté Sans Frontières (LSF) Foundation

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.

Expulsion of MSF section from a country

In 1986, MSF-Spain was established as one of the operational sections of Médecins Sans Frontières.

Establishment of MSF-Spain

In 1986, MSF-Luxembourg was created as the first support section of Médecins Sans Frontières.

Establishment of MSF-Luxembourg

In 1986, Médecins Sans Frontières created Epicentre, an in-house research organization, to support its activities by conducting epidemiological research, clinical trials, and vaccine deployment strategies.

Establishment of Epicentre

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 aids in Sri Lankan Civil War

MSF France establishes MSF Logistique to handle the inventory of equipment and medications for missions.

MSF France creates MSF Logistique

Three doctors found MSF Luxembourg and collaborate with MSF Belgium in various missions. MSF France raises concerns about its independence and threatens legal action over trademark usage.

Three doctors establish MSF Luxembourg

MSF Belgium and MSF Holland work together to establish a common Rapid Response Unit, coordinating it alternately between the two sections.

MSF Belgium and MSF Holland collaboration for Rapid Response Unit

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

MSF assistance to earthquake victims in Armenia

MSF establishes cholera treatment centers in Malawi to combat an epidemic among refugees fleeing the Mozambican Civil War.

MSF cholera treatment centers in Malawi for Mozambican refugees

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.

MSF provides emergency care during Liberia's civil war

In 1990, Médecins Sans Frontières entered Liberia to provide aid to civilians and refugees affected by the Liberian Civil War, initiating their relief efforts in the country.

MSF's Entry into Liberia during the Civil War

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

MSF intervention for Kurdish people during Gulf War

In 1991, MSF set up relief missions for Kurdish refugees and also initiated field missions in Somalia during the civil war, providing essential healthcare services and aid to the affected populations.

Relief Missions for Kurdish Refugees and Civil War in Somalia

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.

MSF Report on Bosnian Serb Policy

In 1993, MSF extended its assistance efforts by establishing Healthnet International in the Netherlands. This organization aimed to provide crucial support for health services in war-affected countries, bridging the gap between humanitarian relief and sustainable healthcare solutions.

Assistance in War-Affected Countries

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

MSF starts operations in Burundi during the civil war

In 1993, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) opened an office in the United Kingdom, expanding its presence to provide humanitarian aid and medical assistance.

MSF establishes office in the United Kingdom

In 1993, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) was founded in Italy, marking the establishment of a new branch to carry out medical missions and aid efforts.

MSF-Italy is established

In 1994, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams stayed in Kigali during the Rwandan genocide and later assisted over a million Rwandan refugees who sought shelter in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

MSF teams provide assistance during Rwandan genocide

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.

MSF Response to Genocide in Rwanda

In 1994, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) set up operations in Denmark, further expanding its global reach to provide medical assistance and humanitarian aid.

MSF Denmark is established

In 1994, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) released a new guideline on tuberculosis, aligning with the World Health Organization's declaration on the eradication of TB as a public health priority.

MSF issues new tuberculosis guideline

In 1994, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) expanded its operations to Australia by establishing a new branch to provide medical aid and humanitarian assistance.

MSF-Australia is established

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.

Chantilly Principles

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.

MSF's call for international intervention in Rwanda

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.

MSF's assistance during war and genocide in Rwanda

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.

Famine in North Korea

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.

MSF Awarded Nobel Peace Prize

In October 1999, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their humanitarian work across multiple continents. Dr. James Orbinski, the president at the time, uses the acceptance speech to address Russian leader Boris Yeltsin regarding violence in Chechnya.

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

MSF provides medical care during Sierra Leone civil war

In 2000, MSF doctors provide assistance to victims during the Sierra Leone Civil War.

MSF Assists Victims in Sierra Leone Civil War

In 2001, MSF initiated free antiretroviral therapy for AIDS patients in Cambodia, aiming to prolong patients' lives and integrate HIV/AIDS treatment with other chronic diseases.

MSF introduction of ARV therapy in Cambodia

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 Starts HIV/AIDS Treatment

In 2002, MSF provided humanitarian aid during a major flood in Cambodia, assisting up to 1.47 million affected individuals.

MSF response to major flood in Cambodia

In 2002, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) conducts a mission in Bunjei, Angola, revealing a dire situation with one in three children suffering from acute malnutrition and numerous recent graves, highlighting the severity of the famine.

Famine in Angola

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 calls for assistance for malnourished children

MSF teams begin offering medical care to people crossing the Mediterranean to Europe at the Lampedusa reception center in Italy.

MSF provides assistance in Lampedusa, Italy

MSF continues its humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan after the US-led military action, providing assistance to civilians in the region.

MSF assists civilians in Afghanistan

MSF begins using artemisinin combination therapy and pushes for changes in national protocols for malaria treatment in Africa.

MSF advocates for malaria treatment changes

In 2002, MSF France expanded its program to aid North Korean refugees who were flying from China to other Asian countries in their journey to reach South Korea. They established an office in Seoul to support these refugees.

MSF France extends program to assist North Korean refugees

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

MSF challenges US government during Iraq War

MSF plays a key role as a founding partner in the establishment of the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) to develop drugs for neglected diseases.

Creation of Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi)

In 2003, Médecins Sans Frontières initiated its initial Chagas project in Bolivia, a country with the highest prevalence of Chagas disease globally. This project aimed to address the healthcare needs related to this disease in Bolivia.

MSF starts first Chagas project in Bolivia

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.

Tsunami in Southeast Asia

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 responds to July 2005 flooding in Mumbai and Kurla

The La Mancha Agreement was established on June 25, 2006. It emphasizes the importance of putting patients first and ensuring that medical ethics guide all actions. The agreement highlights the commitment to providing high-quality care, respecting patient confidentiality, and acting in the best interest of patients.

La Mancha Agreement

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.

MSF's Guiding Principles

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.

Disagreements between MSF and Bernard Kouchner

In 2007, MSF collaborated with the Cambodian Ministry of Health to provide pediatric HIV/AIDS treatment and assistance during a severe dengue outbreak.

MSF support for pediatric HIV/AIDS treatment in Cambodia

In 2007, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) dedicated a year to internal consultations and debates to improve decision-making processes and governance structures. The La Mancha Agreement outlined essential aspects of MSF's action and operations.

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 response to Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar

In 2008, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) responds to a nutritional emergency in Ethiopia after identifying high levels of malnutrition in children under five. The organization provides treatment to over 72,000 severely malnourished children and distributes food to 14,000 at-risk children.

Nutritional emergency in Ethiopia

The MSF Activity Report for the year 2008 was published, detailing the organization's operations and achievements during that period.

MSF Activity Report 2008

Following the end of a 26-year civil war in Sri Lanka in 2009, MSF adapted its operations to provide physical therapy for patients with spinal cord injuries, counseling sessions, and reconstructive orthopaedic surgery.

MSF activities in post-civil war Sri Lanka

In 2009, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) re-enters Afghanistan after a five-year absence. The organization starts supporting hospitals in Kabul and Lashkargah, the capital of Helmand Province.

Return to Afghanistan

In 2009, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) faces difficulties in Sudan. The specific challenges or events in Sudan during this year are not mentioned in the provided text.

Challenges in Sudan

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

Medical aid provision in multiple countries

MSF is expelled from Darfur and its activities in Niger are suspended by the government.

Expulsion from Darfur and suspension in Niger

In 2010, MSF provided medical support during a cholera epidemic in the Southern and Eastern provinces of Cambodia.

MSF response to cholera epidemic in Southern and Eastern Cambodia

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.

Earthquake and Cholera in Haiti

In 2010, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) responded to extensive floods in Pakistan, providing assistance to over 80,000 patients. They also distributed nearly 2 million liters of clean water and around 65,000 relief kits to those affected by the disaster.

MSF aids flood victims in Pakistan

In 2010, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) engaged in activism to address the issue of malnutrition. They worked towards highlighting the importance of combating malnutrition and its impact on communities.

MSF raises awareness on malnutrition

In 2010, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) suspended its activities in Turkmenistan due to the inability to provide effective assistance in a country where the national health authorities were accused of hiding the true state of public health and spreading misinformation.

Suspension of Activities in Turkmenistan

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) initiated projects within Syria and for Syrian refugees in neighboring countries to provide medical assistance and humanitarian aid in response to the crisis.

MSF Projects in Syria and for Syrian Refugees

The 2011 Libyan civil war led to efforts by MSF to set up a hospital and mental health services to assist locals affected by the conflict. MSF worked with local health personnel to address the needs of the population, including providing psychological counseling to those living in difficult conditions.

Libyan Civil War

Since 2011, MSF has been providing support to a growing number of medical facilities in regions heavily affected by conflict, aiming to address the urgent healthcare needs of the population.

MSF Support for Medical Facilities in Conflict Areas

In 2011, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) provided assistance in a war or crime-affected area. The specific details of the conflict or crisis were not mentioned.

Assistance in War/Crime

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

MSF provided medical care to 20,440 patients in Hangu

Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders, is a French NGO providing medical care in conflict zones and disease-affected countries. Founded in 1971, it operates in 70 countries with over 35,000 personnel. The organization's principles are outlined in its Charter and it has an associative structure with operational decisions made independently by six centers.

Médecins Sans Frontières

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