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. 

 
Attacks on medical care

Mozambique: Violence surges in Cabo Delgado forcing thousands to flee, destroying homes and further jeopardizing access to health care

Project Update 5 Jun 2020
 
Internally displaced people's camp in the territory of Djugu in Ituri, DRC
Refugees, Migration and displacement

Democratic Republic of Congo: 200,000 people forced from homes and health centres destroyed as violence surges in Ituri province

Crisis Update 4 Jun 2020
 
Water distribution site in Djibo, Burkina Faso
Access to Healthcare

Burkina Faso: The COVID-19 outbreak will worsen the current humanitarian crisis

Article 21 Apr 2020
 
Videos and Photos

COVID-19 Prevention measures in Idlib, Syria

3 Apr 2020
Videos and Photos
 
An MSF nurse talks to a woman during a consultation at MSF’s mobile clinic, Northwest Syria
COVID-19 Coronavirus

Northwest Syria: “COVID-19 has added another layer of complexity to a situation that was already catastrophic”

Stories from the Frontline 3 Apr 2020
 
Suzanne & Mariel assess condition of 10-year-old Nyaduoth in the MSF hospital © Gabriele Casini/MSF
Access to Healthcare

South Sudan: massive influx of wounded and displaced people as clashes continue in Jonglei and the Greater Pibor administrative area

Press Release 17 Mar 2020