Your impact in 2021

Last January, a critical oxygen shortage in Brazil led the health system to collapse in Manaus, the capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas. In response, MSF sent teams to São Gabriel da Cachoeira and Tefé—two remote towns a few days’ boat journey upriver from the state capital. 

Needs were great in Tefé—at one point two-thirds of patients needed oxygen treatment, but they had nowhere to go because hospitals in Manaus are full and struggling to keep up with the current demand. MSF  teams stepped in to save lives while looking for alternative solutions for critically ill patients to get the specialized assistance they need. 

In São Gabriel da Cachoeira, MSF is supporting health centers established by the Ministry of health and helping to improve COVID-19 testing. “The test results come out in about an hour and can be done in town without having to send the samples to Manaus, as was the case until now,” said Irene Huertas Martín, coordinator of the MSF project in São Gabriel da Cachoeira. Rapid testing is a crucial part of managing an overwhelming situation and appropriately tracking the state of the virus.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Providing urgent assistance following the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo

On May 22, the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo, considered the most dangerous volcano in Africa, displaced more than 400,000 people in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Lava cascaded toward the densely-populated city of Goma, engulfing four villages and impacting others. 

Local MSF teams in Goma and the nearby city of Sake immediately mobilized to support survivors. In addition to providing health care and essential services, MSF teams focused on providing fresh water and sanitation services to prevent the spread of cholera, treating patients with the disease, and monitoring cases in the region.

Haiti: Responding to immediate needs in the wake of 7.2 magnitude earthquake

At 8:30 a.m. on August 14, a massive 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocked the southern region of Haiti. In the hours following the earthquake, MSF sent 100 tons of emergency supplies, including materials for temporary medical structures, water supply systems, and first aid. 

To respond to evolving needs, Haitian and international MSF staff operated mobile clinics and provided surgical interventions, basic medical care, and water and sanitation services. 

In addition to providing care for immediate needs, MSF teams helped displaced families access clean water and sanitation services to prevent the spread of disease that can often occur in places with damaged infrastructure in the wake of earthquakes.

Afghanistan: Being there for patients in Kabul throughout the Taliban’s violent transfer to power

MSF began working in Afghanistan in 1980. Forty-one years later—despite political instability and active conflict, a dedicated local staff of 2,300 health workers maintained operations in all five provinces where MSF maintained projects. 

The number of patients in our care multiplied after the fighting stopped, revealing thousands of people who had delayed seeking medical care. 

In response, MSF clinics provided emergency care, like surgical interventions for injuries, while ensuring access to ongoing care including treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis, prenatal care, and so much more.

Mediterranean Sea: Racing against time to rescue migrants and refugees in urgent distress

The Mediterranean Sea is the world’s deadliest migration route. Fleeing violence and exploitation at home, many choose to risk their lives crossing the rough sea in fragile boats. In October 2021, MSF’s search and rescue vessel, the Geo Barents, rescued nearly 400 survivors in less than 2 days.