Our history

About us: What is MSFWhat we doOur historyReports & Financials

Why we started

From a group of doctors and journalists to an international movement: how has the MSF movement developed over the years? Learn about the creation of MSF and the major chapters of our history through the animated film, Once Upon a Time the MSF Movement.is short video.

  • The MSF Movement

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) was founded in 1971 in France by a group of doctors and journalists in the wake of war and famine in Biafra, Nigeria. Their aim was to establish an independent organisation that focuses on delivering emergency medicine aid quickly, effectively and impartially.

Three hundred volunteers made up the organisation when it was founded: doctors, nurses and other staff, including the 13 founding doctors and journalists.

Founders of MSF

  • dr. jacques beres
  • philippe bernier
  • raymond borel
  • dr. jean cabrol
  • dr. marcel delcourt
  • dr. xavier emmanuelli
  • dr. pascal greletty-bosviel
  • gérard illiouz
  • dr. bernard kouchner
  • dr. gérard pigeon
  • vladan radoman
  • dr. max recamier
  • dr. jean-michel wild

Our journey

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