MSF treats first patient with anti-retrovirals in Laos

In the future MSF aims to bring HAART to all patients suffering from HIV/Aids in and around Savannaketh. MSF is also looking for ways to expand its treatment programme to other parts of the country. Press Release - 24 Oct 2003

HIV/AIDS

AIDS drugs now available for 36 cents a dayunder Clinton Foundation deal

"With this announcement, the World Health Organization's objective of reaching three million by 2005 becomes much more feasible." Press Release - 23 Oct 2003

Bolivia

A new calm follows protests in Bolivian capital

There were over 135 injured in the Miraflores Hospital, where MSF was present. Other hospitals in the city were also dealing with the injured, with the numbers straining the facilities and leaving many without materials or medicines. Project Update - 23 Oct 2003

Italy

Refugee deaths at Lampedusa highlight grave political failures

Of 24 refugess, 13 did not survive the crossing. The remaining 11 passengers were transported first to the Lampedusa Temporary Detention Centre (TDC) where MSF offers medical care, but due to their wretched state, the majority had to be subsequently transferred to the intensive care unit of Palermo hospital. Press Release - 23 Oct 2003

Sudan

Hundreds of Sudanese live in 'Hotel Africa', Italy - a derelict railway station in the centre of Rome

In what has been dubbed 'Hotel Africa', Sudanese refugees have made their homes. The MSF team of 'Missione Italia' distributed hygiene kits to the refugees. They live here with no running water nor electricity. There are no sanitation facilities and the risk of disease is very high. Press Release - 20 Oct 2003

South Africa

MSF welcomes decision of South Africa Competition Commission to promote access to medicines

If the South African government is serious about providing ARV treatment to the half a million South Africans with HIV/AIDS who clinically need it, they must immediately take advantage of this decision. Press Release - 16 Oct 2003

War and conflict

Ingushetia, the last refuge from the scourge of war

This feature is one of a ten-country series that first appeared in the Belgian newspapers Le Soir (French) and De Standaard (Dutch). Prepared in cooperation with MSF, the series explores the lives of the civilian populations trying to survive in conflicts the world has all but forgotten. Project Update - 15 Oct 2003

Afghanistan

Afghanistan today: Neither safe nor stable

But two years after the Taliban was overthrown, and a new government installed in Kabul by the US-led Coalition, the people of Afghanistan have received very little. Project Update - 7 Oct 2003

Liberia

MSF provides medical help for survivors of sexual violence in war-ravaged Liberia

MSF Liberian staff, many whom have also been victims of the war, work in the camps to spread the message that treatment is available and give rape survivors the confidence to come forward for treatment. Project Update - 7 Oct 2003

Russia

MSF intervenes for Siberian earthquake

With so many homes destroyed and the temperature dropping to -15° Celsius at night, the cold might prove to be just as dangerous for the people as the earthquake itself. Project Update - 2 Oct 2003

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

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We provide medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. Our teams are made up of tens of thousands of health professionals, logistic and administrative staff - most of them hired locally. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of independence and impartiality. We are a non-profit, self-governed, member-based organisation.

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