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. 

 
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
 
Arrival of displaced civilians from besieged El-Fasher at the checkpoint at the entrance of Tawila
Access to medicines

Ceasefire Oct 2025: Talking points - Supply and activities

Article 14 Oct 2025
 
A picture of different medications a person living with HIV may take on a daily basis.
HIV/AIDS

Kigali: MSF welcomes the release of WHO guidelines for ‘game-changing’ HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, but remains deeply concerned about access, including licensing limitations.

Article 14 Jul 2025
 
Jari 2 IDP camp, South Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Refugees, Migration and displacement

A Growing Crisis for thousands of displaced people in Ethiopia’s Amhara region

Testimony 28 May 2025
 
MSF Responds to Surge in Kala-azar cases in Wajir and Marsabit Counties in Kenya
Kala azar

MSF Responds to Surge in Kala-azar cases in Wajir and Marsabit Counties in Kenya

Article 21 May 2025