War and conflict

War and conflict

If warring parties see aid organisations as being on one side of a conflict, we are less likely to gain access to those in need and more likely to be attacked. 

One of the ways in which we are able to demonstrate our independence to warring parties is to ensure that all our funding for work in conflicts comes from private individuals – we do not accept government grants. 
 
Conflicts, be they international wars or those within countries, can have many consequences. 
 
Fear of violence or persecution uproots entire communities and disrupts access to medical care for those that flee as well as those who stay behind.  
 
Conflicts normally lead to a rise in trauma injuries, but also lead to problems for people needing normal medical care, such as complications with pregnancy or chronic diseases such as diabetes.  
 
Psychological distress and mental illnesses also generally rise, as can cases of sexual violence.  
 
We try to fill these gaps with highly experienced doctors, nurses, and logisticians, who provide specialised medical care and logistical support. 

 
People fleeing the conflict in North and South Kivu
Internally Displaced People

DRC: 3 questions on the intensification of the armed conflict in North and South Kivu

Article 25 Jan 2025
 
Bilal Okal, our colleague killed by Israeli forces in Jabalia, North Gaza, along with 10 of his family members.
Gaza - Israel War

MSF mourns the killing of its ninth colleague in Gaza

Article 24 Jan 2025
 
MSF Clinic in Gaza City 
Gaza - Israel War

Relief after temporary ceasefire: Immense scale-up of life-saving aid must flow into Gaza now

Article 18 Jan 2025
 
MSF intervention in Lubero
Internally Displaced People

MSF launches emergency intervention in North Kivu, eastern DRC amid fighting

Article 16 Jan 2025
 
Emergency Surgical Team at Bashair Hospital Khartoum, Sudan
War and conflict

MSF denounces violent attacks leading to suspension of activities at key Khartoum hospital

Article 10 Jan 2025
 
Fuel shortage in Nasser hospital
Gaza - Israel War

Newborns and other patients at risk as Nasser hospital has run out of fuel, MSF warns

Article 9 Jan 2025