Médecins sans frontières, entre mythes et prétention(s)

Founded in 1971 by a group of doctors and journalists in Paris, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has grown from a handful of volunteers to more than 70,000 people with a budget of over €2 billion. Nevertheless, the organisation still conveys its mythology today, namely ‘a voice chosen by history’, where French doctors oppose the silence of the International Committee of the Red Cross during the Biafra war.

The image of the heroic rescuer, often depicted in communications that now aim to be more inclusive, and fundamental principles combining neutrality, impartiality and independence, are now being challenged. In the post-Covid era, another reality is emerging, combining sovereignist tensions between states, declining funding from major donors, the presence of non-state actors in the context of the fight against terrorism, and even the criminalisation of humanitarian aid. New issues are emerging, such as health security, the challenges of climate change and the protection of patients' personal data.

It therefore seems essential to question the role of humanitarian aid in the face of these challenges and to consider the adjustments needed to maintain a significant impact on the most vulnerable populations. This book offers a critical examination of MSF, which we hope will resonate with the concerns of other aid agencies and the general public.

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