Skip to main content
Mpox in DRC

Epidemics and pandemics

Two health workers talk at the MSF-supported Budjala general hospital, where MSF supports the health authorities in the response against Mpox. DRC, July 2024. 
© MSF
Millions of people still die each year from infectious diseases that are preventable or can be treated.

Outbreaks of cholera, measles and yellow fever can spread rapidly and be fatal. Malaria is endemic in more than 100 countries. Millions are living with HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Viral haemorrhagic diseases such as Ebola or Marburg are rarer, but are potentially fatal. The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has affected virtually every country on earth, infecting tens of millions of people and resulting in the death of over a million more.

The people at highest risk are mainly those living in poverty or in areas of great instability, such as in armed conflict or during mass displacement, where living conditions are precarious, access to healthcare is limited, and vaccination coverage is low.

 
Cholera

Cholera outbreaks across West Africa: MSF sends more staff and supplies

Project Update 14 Sep 2005
 
Mauritania

Major cholera outbreak in Nouakchott

Project Update 29 Aug 2005
 
Angola

MSF ends Marburg operations in Angola

Project Update 15 Jul 2005
 
Angola

Marburg outbreak: When saving lives seems cruel

Project Update 11 Jul 2005
 
Ethiopia

Kala azar outbreak in Ethiopia as rainy season begins

Project Update 27 Jun 2005
 
Indonesia

MSF fights malaria outbreak on islands in Indonesia

Project Update 13 May 2005
 
HIV/AIDS

World AIDS Day 2004: Beating the pandemic

Project Update 1 Dec 2004
 
Chad

MSF continues to fight cholera in Chad's capital city

Project Update 1 Sep 2004
 
Sudan

'Displaced in Darfur will need help for at least a year'

Interview 31 Aug 2004
Up Next
7 May 2018