COVID-19: MSF launches our largest ever response in Belgium

April 3, 2020

With just over 1,000 deaths from COVID-19 recorded for a population of 11 million, Belgium is one of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic, coming close behind Italy and Spain. Despite Belgium’s highly developed health system, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has launched our largest-ever response...

Northwest Syria: “COVID-19 adds another layer of complexity to an already catastrophic situation”

April 2, 2020

Cristian Reynders, field coordinator for MSF operations in northwest Syria, explains what the potential spread of COVID-19 would mean in Idlib and how MSF is preparing for it. Not so long ago, COVID-19 was not yet making headlines worldwide. On...

Italy: COVID-19 pandemic brings new challenges to well-developed healthcare systems

March 31, 2020

Dr Claudia Lodesani, MSF president and emergency coordinator for COVID-19 in Italy, explains how our teams can assist her country’s well-developed health system to deal with the new challenge of a pandemic. What can MSF do to help during this COVID-19 crisis?...

“Everybody here is working beyond their limits”: Inside the COVID-19 response in Italy

March 30, 2020

MSF medical teams have joined the fight against COVID-19 as the new coronavirus disease spreads to more than 200 countries. Project coordinator Dr Chiara Lepora is overseeing our response in Lodi province, north Italy, where we are supporting three hospitals, as well as aged care...

COVID-19: MSF steps up COVID-19 response in Europe

March 30, 2020

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has expanded activities in response to COVID-19 in Italy, Spain, Switzerland, France, Norway, Greece and Belgium. Our teams are supporting nursing homes for the elderly, assisting other vulnerable people, such as the homeless and...

COVID-19: MSF calls for no patents or profiteering on COVID-19 drugs, tests, and vaccines

March 28, 2020

GENEVA/NEW YORK — Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has called for no patents or profiteering on drugs, tests, or vaccines used for the COVID-19 pandemic, and for governments to prepare to suspend and override patents and take other measures,...

COVID-19: MSF steps up COVID-19 response with activities in Spain

March 25, 2020

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is stepping up our response to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic by starting medical, logistical and strategic support activities in Spain. We will be leveraging our experience and expertise in managing epidemics in fragile contexts, in working...

COVID-19: Avoiding a ‘second tragedy’ for those with TB

March 23, 2020

As the world grapples with the coronavirus COVID-19 global pandemic, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is concerned for vulnerable groups worldwide. People with tuberculosis (TB) are among the groups that may be particularly affected. Special attention will be needed to safeguard the continuity...

COVID-19: Vulnerable communities are bracing for impact of COVID-19

March 21, 2020

Op-ed by Jonathan Whittall, Head of humanitarian analysis How are you supposed to wash your hands regularly if you have no running water or soap? How can you implement ‘social distancing’ if you live in a slum or a refugee...

In the midst of COVID-19, “we’re getting down to work”

March 20, 2020

Open Letter by Dr Christos Christou, International President, Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières The following is a letter by MSF International President Dr Christos Christou addressed to all MSF staff and supporters. Dear colleagues, and friends and supporters...

As COVID-19 continues to spread, MSF prepares for action in France

March 18, 2020

PARIS – Faced with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the French health system is strengthening its capacity to prevent and treat cases. This week, in consultation with France’s health authorities, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is setting up activities to help...

COVID-19: Challenges in supporting COVID-19 response

March 16, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has already spread to more than 100 countries around the world. These include countries whose health systems are fragile and where MSF teams have a long-standing presence, as well as regions such as Europe, where the capacities are more...