DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS RESPOND TO COVID-19
Many nonprofit organizations and charities are stepping up their efforts to support communities afflicted by the COVID-19 crisis. Doctors Without Borders, however, is truly on the front lines of the battle against the disease. The 49-year-old organization (in french Médecins Sans Frontières or MSF) is an independent, global movement providing medical aid where it’s needed most. It’s 35,000 personnel include doctors, nurses, technicians, program administrators, water and sanitation engineers, and more. They operate in over 70 countries, particularly in locations where health systems are fragile and civilians have limited access to medical care. Notable medical missions have taken place in countries such as Sudan, Cambodia, Yemen, Syria, and El Salvador. MSF’s work, prior to COVID-19, has focused on conditions including Ebola, AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
In hopes of expanding health care access regardless of race, religion, creed, or nationality, MSF explicitly precludes political, economic, or religious factors in its decision making and strategies. It received a 1999 Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts during crises and for promoting awareness of humanitarian concerns.
MSF is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by caring for patients, offering health education and mental health support, and providing training for vital infection control measures in health facilities around the world. However, current restrictions on human movement and supply chain issues are critically hampering the organization’s efforts. Due to governmental responses to the pandemic, MSF is struggling to transport its medics around the world to hotspots in need. Further, because of dramatically increased international demand for medical supplies and devices, the organization is facing shortages of masks, gowns, oxygen, and more.
MSF urgently needs additional financial support from individuals and corporations around the world. Remarkably, 88% of contributed funds go directly to health programs.
- Direct cash donations can be made HERE.
- Click HERE for information on additional donation options including stock donations, corporate giving, and workplace giving.
- Other ways to fundraise or participate are detailed HERE.