Access to medicines

Access to medicines

One third of the world lacks  access to essential medicines.  In the poorest parts of Africa and Asia this figure rises to a half of the population. We challenge the high cost of medicines and the absence of treatment for many of the diseases affecting ou

Too often  we cannot treat patients because the medicines are too expensive, or they are no longer produced.  Sometimes, the only drugs we have are highly toxic or ineffective and nobody is looking for a better cure. 
As a medical humanitarian organisation, it is fundamentally unacceptable that access to essential medicines is increasingly difficult, particularly for the most common global infectious diseases. 

 
An MSF team visits Jemu Health Center. MSF has supported capacity building, rehabilitation of the facility, and WASH infrastructure and support.
Access to Healthcare

MSF establishes a new permanent presence in South West Ethiopia Region, to strengthen health services and outbreak preparedness

Article 12 Feb 2026
 
Children being vaccinated to prevent measles and meningitis, together with other antigens, during an EURECA intervention in Kabo, CAR.
Vaccinations

How MSF's EURECA team strengthened its response to health emergencies in 2025

Article 11 Feb 2026
 
MSF FLAG
Conflict in Sudan

Access Restrictions are Preventing Lifesaving Medical Care in Jonglei State

Article 16 Jan 2026
 
Malnutrition screening of one-year-old Alnel on the knees of his mother Nyanbeny. Ameth Bek Hospital, Abyei.
Access to Healthcare

“No Medication”: Gaps in Healthcare Threaten Lives as Violence Escalates in South Sudan

Article 9 Dec 2025
 
A close-up of the insulin pen that helps Aher manage his diabetes.
Diabetes

Beyond the clay pots: Children fighting diabetes in South Sudan’s remote villages

Article 14 Nov 2025
 
David Ekeru, a community health promoter, tests a child for malaria at their home using the test and treat approach in Namakane village, Turkana, Kenya.
Malaria

Test and treat approach: How communities lead in malaria treatment

Article 10 Nov 2025