Fragile progress as several countries upgrade to better AIDS treatment

A report released today by the international medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) revealed that several countries hardest hit by the AIDS epidemic are improving HIV treatment to reduce deaths and illness – but a lack of support from donors prevents many from making vital changes. Press Release - 11 May 2011

Natural hazards

MSF continues psychological care for earthquake and tsunami survivors

“Most people lost everything in the disaster, including family, colleagues and friends, and the future is difficult to imagine,” said Ha Young Lee – a Korean psychologist that has worked with MSF in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami in Banda Aceh in 2005, as well as with North Korean refugees in Seoul. Project Update - 11 May 2011

Italy

Seeking Refuge, Finding Suffering

The MSF briefing paper ”Seeking Refuge, Finding Suffering” documents the unacceptable conditions that are currently facing migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees in Italy. Report - 3 May 2011

Italy

Italy must drastically improve conditions facing refugees, asylum seekers and migrants fleeing North Africa, including Libya

When 12 boats carrying 2,665 refugees, asylum seekers and migrants landed on Italian shores, a further 715 people were rescued from another off-shore boat. Once again, MSF calls on Italian authorities to drastically improve reception conditions for new arrivals, particularly for the most vulnerable - women, children, unaccompanied minors and victims of violence. Press Release - 3 May 2011

Uzbekistan

Comprehensive TB care for all: The Karakalpakstan Experience

The epidemiological data on Uzbekistan shows that TB is an alarming problem in the country and justifies the increasing priority being attached to control efforts within the country. Estimates of the disease prevalence in the country put the
total number of people with tuberculosis at 63,000 people, equivalent to a rate of 227 per 100,000 population. Within the
World Health Organization’s (WHO) European region, only three countries (Tajikistan, Kyrgystan and Moldova) have a higher
prevalence. Report - 2 May 2011

In Memoriam

Chris Hondros

Talented, smart, and immensely generous, photojournalist Chris Hondros, tragically killed on April 20, 2011 in Misrata, Libya, along with his colleague Tim Hetherington, was a friend to many, including MSF. Project Update - 22 Apr 2011

Côte d'Ivoire

Medical and humanitarian emergency continues as violence persists in Ivory Coast

“We don’t know how many people are still hiding in fear in the Ivorian bush, or what levels of violence they may be currently exposed to, but the horrific stories we have heard from people are cause for alarm,” said Xavier Simon, MSF Head of Mission in Ivory Coast. Photo Story - 22 Apr 2011

Meningitis

Meningitis vaccine for 607,000 people in rural Chad

Thanks to the vaccine, the people of Laokassi, Moundou, Melfi, Kelo, Benoye and Kroumla should be protected against the disease for the next three years. Nonetheless, for the inhabitants of a country where meningitis is endemic, such as Chad, the new vaccine, which offers five years’ protection, cannot come soon enough. Project Update - 22 Apr 2011

Yemen

MSF helps respond to increased medical needs while continuing relief activities

MSF is supporting health centres in the country, helping to respond to needs emerging in light of ongoing unrest and, in coordination with Yemeni authorities and medical committees, is ready to scale up its support if needed. MSF also continues to run medical activities in different governorates of the country, as well as in Sana’a city. Project Update - 20 Apr 2011

Malaria

Revolutionary advance in severe malaria treatment: Using artesunate instead of quinine could save 200,000 lives annually

In its new report Making the Switch, MSF calls on African governments to follow new World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, and switch from the far less effective quinine to artesunate, which could avert nearly 200,000 deaths each year. MSF also calls on WHO and donors to support governments so this urgent treatment change can happen quickly. Press Release - 19 Apr 2011

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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