The cholera test and why the Kenyan health system has failed

"Over 128 and 30 suspected new cases of cholera have been reported in Migori and Kisumu counties respectively in the past one week. This is amidst a number of political declarations across many counties that the cholera outbreak is over. To me this is one of the strongest attestations to the lack of clear coordination in outbreak response within the devolved framework. If such an approach is aimed at downplaying the outbreak in order to save face then it is a recipe for disaster and the short rains expected in September are only likely to make things worse," says Dr Stephen Wanjala, Deputy Medical Coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières in Kenya. Voices from the Field - 27 Jul 2015

Democratic Republic of Congo

The Rose of Masisi

A counselor at the Village d’Accueil gives us a tour of the MSF-supported Masisi general hospital in North Kivu, where women with high-risk pregnancies stay as they wait to give birth. Project Update - 27 Jul 2015

Malawi

Detained for having a dream

Built to accommodate 800 prisoners, Maula prison is bursting at the seams with 2,650 inmates. Amongst this desperate population, the most vulnerable are the nearly 300 undocumented migrants who were arrested as they travelled towards South Africa. Voices from the Field - 24 Jul 2015

Mali

MSF continues its activities in Timbuktu despite insecurity

Since 2014, deteriorating security, explosive devices on roads and the risk of carjacking have forced MSF to reduce its activities in Timbuktu. In spite of all this, MSF continues to fully support three community health centres on the outskirts of Timbuktu with primary, emergency obstetric and neonatal care, immunisation and nutrition programmes. Project Update - 24 Jul 2015

South Sudan

MSF calls for urgent humanitarian access to Upper Nile state

“The continuing violence in South Sudan is forcing ordinary people to live in inhumane conditions,” says William Robertson, MSF’s program manager for South Sudan. “People are being exposed to continual violence, increased displacement, fear of attacks, disease outbreaks and the risk of starvation. MSF is deeply concerned about the continued denial of access for aid organisations to conflict areas and other remote areas of South Sudan, which is leaving people without the humanitarian assistance they urgently need.” Press Release - 23 Jul 2015

Nigeria

“Our team is working all the time, because IDPs arrive every week.”

“None of the hospitals outside of Maiduguri and Biu are currently functioning. And most of them were completely destroyed with bombs. Those that weren’t destroyed were looted,” says Dr. Faisal Ga'al, MSF project coordinator in Maiduguri. “This is now the first stage of the crisis in Borno state, but the gaps will be huge when people start going back to their homes. They will need emergency support for some time. They are going back to zero – there is no means for people to make a living in the area.” Voices from the Field - 23 Jul 2015

Treating multi drug resistant TB and HIV/AIDS in Manipur, India

Access to medicines

TPP negotiators must fix the most damaging trade agreement ever for global health

“The U.S. has abandoned its previous commitments to protect health in its trade policy,” said Judit Rius, U.S. Manager and Policy Advisor for MSF’s Access Campaign. “The TPP is a precedent-setting blueprint for future trade deals that will deny countries their right to balance business interests with the public health needs of people – a right that is ingrained in international trade rules. This week might be the last chance negotiators have to mitigate some of the potential devastation of the TPP. We ask government negotiators to protect access to medicines and fix the most damaging provisions in the TPP.” Press Release - 23 Jul 2015

Ethiopia

A tale of a desperate midwife

“Had these mothers arrived in good time, we would have saved their lives and their children’s. I feel very sad to see women die from avoidable conditions just because of lack of awareness,” said Aisha Akello, MSF midwife. “It’s heart-breaking, and sometimes I stay up at night, just contemplating what has happened and pondering ways to find a solution to prevent these avoidable maternal deaths.” Voices from the Field - 23 Jul 2015

South Sudan

Patient tells of cholera recovery at new MSF Cholera Treatment Centre in Juba

“I’m happy because of the care and treatment I received here. I’m now feeling better, not like when I arrived. I would like to tell people suffering from cholera that there is an MSF centre in Munuki which provides care, support and food.” says Madeleine, one of the first patients admitted to MSF's newly built Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC) in Munuki, Juba. Voices from the Field - 22 Jul 2015

Nepal

Three months after the earthquakes, MSF reduces operations

Reducing its operations, MSF will nonetheless continue monitoring for disease outbreaks in several remaining displaced peoples camps, and conducting surgical and post-operative support in hospitals where needs have been identified. Project Update - 22 Jul 2015

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

Independent medical humanitarian assistance

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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