Mission of MSF
MSF was founded after which major event: a natural disaster, a war, or a festival?
A war (specifically the Biafra war).
Name one type of natural disaster MSF typically responds to.
Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or tsunamis.
What does “health inequity” mean?
Unfair and avoidable differences in health outcomes between groups of people.
Who can join MSF at Vanderbilt?
anyone!
What color is the MSF logo?
Red
What does the name “Médecins Sans Frontières” translate to in English?
Doctors without borders
What kind of services does MSF provide during outbreaks of infectious diseases?
Treatment centers, isolation units, vaccination campaigns, and public health education.
Give one example of a health inequity between high-income and low-income countries.
Higher maternal mortality in low-income countries / lower access to vaccines / shorter life expectancy
What does MSF at Vanderbilt aim to do on campus?
To raise awareness about humanitarian medicine, global health crises, and MSF’s mission through education, advocacy, and service.
How many countries does MSF typically work in each year (approximately)?
Around 70–75 countries
In what decade was Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) founded?
1970s
Name one example of a conflict zone where MSF has worked.
Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Afghanistan, or Gaza.
What are some barriers to healthcare access in refugee populations?
Language barriers, legal status issues, overcrowded camps, limited clinics, and a lack of transportation.
What types of events does MSF at Vanderbilt typically organize?
Info sessions, guest speakers, fundraisers, and volunteer or advocacy events.
What kind of professionals, besides doctors, work with MSF?
Nurses, logisticians, pharmacists, water-and-sanitation experts, and mental health specialists.
True or false: MSF is known for going into conflict zones where other groups may not go.
True
What is a typical first step MSF takes when setting up an emergency response?
Conducting a needs assessment to determine what people need most (medical care, clean water, shelter, etc.).
What role do social determinants (like poverty or education) play in health outcomes?
They shape people’s ability to stay healthy, access care, and receive appropriate treatment.
What is one way students can get involved in MSF’s mission locally?
Participating in fundraisers, volunteering with partner organizations, or attending advocacy/awareness events.
What are the main communication strategies MSF uses to raise awareness?
They use field reports, media outreach, social campaigns, storytelling, and public advocacy.
Why is MSF unique among NGOs: their focus on speed, their coverage, their independence from political groups, or their cooking skills?
Independence from political groups
What innovations has MSF developed to improve field response?
Modular field hospitals, inflatable tents, mobile labs, emergency kits, water purification systems, and rapid-deployment cholera treatment centers.
What are the ethical challenges in prioritizing global health funding?
Deciding which diseases or regions receive limited funds can favor politically visible issues over the most urgent needs.
How does MSF at Vanderbilt connect to the overall MSF organization?
Mainly through fundraising and advocacy that support MSF’s global humanitarian work.
What are the key differences between MSF’s operational centers (e.g., in Paris, Geneva, Amsterdam)?
Each center independently manages specific countries and projects while coordinating under shared MSF principles.