Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a private international association. Founded in 1971 in Paris by a group of journalists and doctors, they have been providing emergency medical care in conflict zones, epidemics, and areas with limited access to healthcare. Today, they count around 70,000 collaborators in more than 70 countries.
It's one of those NGOs that has avoided major corruption and scandals. I believe it's in large part due to their charter which defines clear rules that everyone has to follow. There are three principles that seem very important: 1. They operate "irrespective of race, religion, creed, or political convictions." 2. They observe "neutrality and impartiality in the name of universal medical ethics and the right to humanitarian assistance and claims full and unhindered freedom in the exercise of its functions." 3. They maintain "complete independence from all political, economic or religious powers".
MSF has an honourable goal and has identified the right principles to operate by. The result is more than 50 years of unparalleled impact in frontline medical humanitarian aid.
