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. 

 
Christopher Lockyear, Secretary General of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF),
Conflict in Sudan

MSF briefs UN Security Council on Sudan: A catastrophic "war on people"

Article 13 Mar 2025
 
MSF Clinic in Gaza City 
Gaza - Israel War

“I really worry about what will happen to people's mental health in Gaza. The ceasefire needs to hold.”

Article 2 Mar 2025
 
Malnutrition in Zamzam
War and conflict

Sudan: MSF forced to halt its activities as violence engulfed Zamzam camp in North Darfur

Article 24 Feb 2025
 
The Conflict Expands Through South Kivu Province
Internally Displaced People

DRC: In Uvira, the population trapped in a climate of extreme insecurity, amidst clashes

Article 23 Feb 2025
 
MSF Flag
War and conflict

DRC: Statement following the passing away of our colleague Jerry Kavali

Article 22 Feb 2025
 
Kosti Teaching Hospital, White Nile, Sudan
Conflict in Sudan

Over 800 hospitalised and dozens dead from waterborne infection in Sudan’s White Nile state

Article 22 Feb 2025