Doctors Without Borders is an international relief organization dedicated to providing medical aid to populations in danger. It is also known by its French name, Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF). The group provides medical personnel, medical supplies, food, fresh water, and other necessities. It sends these things to regions of the world where people are at risk from war, disease, civil strife, or natural disasters. For this humanitarian work, the organization was awarded the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize.
The organization was founded in France in 1971. It was founded by a group of doctors. They were frustrated with the complications of international medical relief efforts. Doctors Without Borders is a private, nonprofit organization. It arranges relief in dozens of countries each year. Thousands of medical professionals volunteer their time and skills. They provide primary health care, perform surgery, and repair and improve public health facilities all over the world.
The name Doctors Without Borders refers to the group’s philosophy. The group aims to provide aid to people who are in danger, regardless of politics or national boundaries. The organization does speak out, however, if volunteers in the field become aware of widespread human rights violations or atrocities taking place against civilians.
