Spotlight: Doctors without Borders

During periods of major disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and deadly conflicts, victims can count on one organization to come to their aid. Doctors Without Borders, or Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), is an internationally focused non-governmental organization (NGO) that provides assistance to areas in critical need of medical care. 
Born out of Unrest
MSF formed in response to the Nigerian civil war and social unrest in France in the late 1960s. French Red Cross workers stationed in Nigeria during the civil war grew frustrated because of the lack of political advocacy for their patients. At the same time, social unrest in France and televising of worldwide peril inspired many to advocate for those suffering around the globe. These developments prompted a group of doctors, clinicians, and journalists to create MSF in 1971.
Providers and Advocates
MSF sends volunteers around the world to respond to health and medical crises, train medical staffs, conduct field research, and advocate